Countdown Begins for Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade

The Ethereum network is gearing up for the Pectra upgrade, which aims to enhance user experience and improve the network's competitiveness. Developers have announced the testing schedule for this wallet and validator-focused update.

Pectra, the first major upgrade in nearly 11 months, will enter its initial testing phase on the Holesky testnet on February 26. The second phase will follow on the Sepolia testnet on March 5. If testing proceeds smoothly, the upgrade is expected to be integrated into the mainnet in early April.

This update combines two development packages, Prague and Electra, introducing eight key improvements to the Ethereum network. One of the most anticipated changes is EIP-7702, which aims to make crypto wallets more flexible and functional. Through account abstraction, users will have the option to pay gas fees not only with ETH but also with other cryptocurrencies.

Additionally, externally owned accounts (EOA) will be restructured with smart contract support, allowing wallet developers to offer expanded functionality and make the Ethereum ecosystem more user-friendly.