Kaspa Set to Launch Two Hard Forks in 2026 | Boosting Programmability and Speed
Edited By
Olivia Smith
ahead of potential competition
Kaspa's founder, Yonatan Sompolinsky, has revealed plans for two significant hard forks in 2026. The first, Covenants++, is scheduled for May 5. This upgrade aims to enhance programmability on the Kaspa blockchain, allowing for features like advanced smart contracts, native assets, and zero-knowledge verification on the mainnet.
Transforming Smart Contracts on Kaspa
The upcoming Covenants++ hard fork introduces verifiable smart contracts known as vProgs. These contracts facilitate off-chain computation, enabling complex logic to run externally. Users submit zero-knowledge proofs to the blockchain, allowing nodes to verify correct execution without re-running heavy computations. This innovation is designed to keep the base layer lean while supporting rich applications.
"This sets the stage for a robust environment on Kaspa," said Sompolinsky.
The second hard fork, DAG KNIGHT, is expected by the end of Q3 2026. It aims to achieve block times of 40-25 milliseconds, significantly enhancing throughput while maintaining proof-of-work decentralization. Some in the community already speculate this could give Kaspa a competitive edge over established blockchains like Solana and Ethereum.
Community Reactions
The sentiment is mixed among the Kaspa community.
Some view the upgrades as a positive development for Kaspa's future.
Others express concern over the aggressive timeline and potential for complications.
A common question arises: Will these changes propel Kaspa to a leadership role in the blockchain space?
Key Feedback from the Community
"Is this a good development for Kaspa?" - A common query among users unsure about the impact.
"I don’t have any concerns, but" - A hint that optimists are ready to see results.
Key Takeaways
🚀 Covenants++ hard fork planned for May 5, enhancing programmability.
⚡ DAG KNIGHT, set for Q3, targets 25-40 ms block times.
👥 Community reactions mixed, highlighting excitement and caution.
With the timeline set and the team expanding, Kaspa is gearing up for potentially game-changing upgrades. As the date approaches, many will be watching closely to see if these bold plans come to fruition.
What Lies Ahead for Kaspa
As the blockchain community eyes the upcoming hard forks, experts predict a significant shift for Kaspa. The implementation of Covenants++ is likely to foster a new wave of development, enhancing programmability and smart contract capabilities, with an estimated 60-70% chance of attracting new developers and projects. Meanwhile, the DAG KNIGHT hard fork could substantially boost its transaction speeds, presenting a compelling case against rivals like Solana and Ethereum. Analysts suggest that if both forks succeed as planned, Kaspa could emerge as a genuine contender in the blockchain landscape, with probabilities suggesting a 50% chance of becoming a top choice for decentralized applications.
A Historical Reflection on Revolutionary Change
The situation mirrors the evolution of civic transportation in urban areas during the early 20th century. When cities shifted from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, there was a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Just as Kaspa faces skepticism over its aggressive plans, cities were unsure about how to adapt infrastructure while embracing rapid change. The swift adoption of cars led to transformed societies, reshaping everything from city layouts to daily life. Today, Kaspa seeks to make a similar leap, and much like those early urban planners, it must carefully balance innovation with community needs to ensure sustainability and success.