Ethereum’s upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade is being described by core developers as the largest protocol-level overhaul since The Merge. The package combines an execution-layer track called Amsterdam with a consensus-layer track called Gloas, and follows the earlier Fusaka upgrade with a clear focus on layer-1 scaling. At its core, Glamsterdam changes how Ethereum processes transactions, builds blocks and manages a growing state database. The upgrade is built around three goals: faster processing through parallelization, higher throughput by splitting block building from validation work, and better long-term sustainability through fee changes that more closely reflect storage and hardware costs. Its two headline proposals are ePBS, or enshrined proposer-builder separation under EIP-7732, and BALs, or block access lists under EIP-7928. The first aims to move proposer-builder coordination into the protocol and extend the effective validation window from 2 seconds to about 9 seconds. The second would let the network identify non-conflicting transactions in advance and execute them in parallel, while also helping new nodes sync faster. Glamsterdam also includes repricing proposals for persistent state growth and data reads. As for timing, a previously cited schedule pointed to a Sept. 16, 2026 mainnet target, but more recent developments suggest a delay. According to the source article, Sepolia and Hoodi deployments are now expected to follow in September, pushing the mainnet goal into the fourth quarter of 2026, and possibly later in the year before a final ACD decision locks in a block height.

Ethereum core developers are preparing the Glamsterdam upgrade, a protocol overhaul described in the source article as the biggest since The Merge. The package combines the execution-layer "Amsterdam" track and the consensus-layer "Gloas" track, and is aimed at advancing L1 scaling by changing how Ethereum processes transactions, validates blocks, and manages its growing database. The work centers on three goals: safer parallel transaction processing, higher throughput through a clearer split between block building and validation, and a more sustainable fee model that better reflects long-term hardware costs tied to data growth. Two headline proposals sit at the center of the plan: enshrined proposer-builder separation, or ePBS, on the consensus side, and block access lists, or BALs, on the execution side. The package also includes repricing proposals for storage-heavy actions and for read operations on existing chain data. A mainnet launch date has not been finalized. A widely cited schedule had pointed to a Sept. 16, 2026 activation after Devnet iterations and Sepolia and Hoodi testnet forks, but the article says the timeline has likely slipped again. EthPandaOps has introduced a short-lived public testnet called Plataberget, while Sepolia and Hoodi deployments are now expected in September, pushing the mainnet target into the fourth quarter of 2026.

Ethereum core developers have set May 7, 2025, as the target mainnet date for the Pectra upgrade after a successful Hoodi testnet run, with the release expected to improve scalability, fees, and account functionality.

Ethereum core developers have set May 7, 2025 as the mainnet launch date for Pectra after a successful Hoodi testnet run. The upgrade targets lower fees, higher blob capacity, better account functionality, and stronger coordination between Ethereum’s execution and consensus layers.

Ethereum core developers have scheduled the Pectra upgrade for mainnet on May 7, 2025, following a successful final Hoodi testnet run. The upgrade targets scalability, lower fees, and improved user account functionality.

Ethereum core developers have confirmed the Pectra upgrade will launch on mainnet on May 7, 2025, following a smooth final test on the Hoodi testnet. The upgrade brings key features like doubled L2 data capacity and smart accounts.