Ethereum 2026 Protocol Update: Bigger Blocks, Better UX, and Quantum-Resistant Security
Key Takeaways
Ethereum plans bigger blocks and higher gas limits to scale capacity and cut fees.
Native account abstraction will make wallets simpler with better recovery and UX.
Quantum-resistant upgrades and stronger L1 security will protect the chain long-term.
The Ethereum Foundation has just released its official 2026 protocol priorities update, setting clear goals for the world’s second-largest crypto ecosystem.
In a blog post dated Feb. 18, the team outlined three simple but powerful tracks: Scale, Improve UX, and Harden the L1.
Scaling Up Ethereum: Bigger Blocks and Higher Capacity
The 2026 upgrade builds on two major 2025 upgrades—Pectra in May andFusaka in December, which have already improved scalability, making transactions faster and cheaper.
Ethereum now aims to go even further: larger blocks for greater throughput, simpler tools for common users, and improved security against threats such as quantum computers.
The next major updates, Glamsterdam and Hegotá, are scheduled for the first and second halves of 2026, respectively.
These updates aim tokeep Ethereum fast, user-friendly, and secure as millions more join the network.
Goals of Ethereum’s Scale Track
Led by Ansgar Dietrichs, Marius van der Wijden, and Raúl Kripalani, the Scale track aims to increase the gas limit from 60 million to 100 million or more.
More gas per block allows more transactions to fit, resulting in lower fees and faster confirmations during peak periods.
Developers will be able to create larger, more complex programs without worrying about hitting limits.
To achieve this securely, the team is developing advanced tools:
Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS): Makes block building more equitable and decentralized.
Block-level Access Lists: Allow nodes to process data faster.
Increased “Blob” Capacity: Supports Layer-2 rollups in efficiently sending information to the main chain.
zkEVM Focus: Uses zero-knowledge proofs to let validators verify large blocks without re-running every computation, enabling parallel execution of transactions.
The zkEVM Focus
Another fascinating feature is thezkEVM attester client.
This useszero-knowledge proofs, allowing validators to easily verify large blocks without rerunning every calculation.
It’s like having a super-fast referee who only needs to see the final score, not the entire game. All of these modifications function together.
Ethereum is evolving toward parallel execution, in which multiple transactions perform concurrently rather than sequentially.
A basic layer that can enable thousands offast, low-cost Layer-2 (L2) networks while being robust and decentralized.
Users will not notice the behind-the-scenes improvements, but they will experience them in smoother apps and lower costs.
Improving Ethereum’s UX: Putting Users First
The Improve UX track, led by Barnabé Monnot and Matt Garnett, focuses on simplifying the user experience.
Ethereum has already made strides with EIP-7702, allowing standard wallets to act temporarily as smart contracts.
Key priorities include:
Interoperability: Moving assets or data across Layer-2 networks will feel as simple as sending an email, thanks to the Open Intents Framework and new standards.
Faster finality: Transactions validated on the main chain are immediately trusted across the ecosystem.
Layer-1 Focus and Quantum Resistance
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin emphasized the importance ofstrengthening Layer-1 (L1) over relying on multiple L2 solutions.
The Harden L1 track, led by Fredrik Svantes, Parithosh Jayanthi, and Thomas Thiery, ensures Ethereum’s core remains secure as the network grows.
Quantum computers, capable of compromising contemporary encryption, are becoming stronger.
The Ethereum Foundation is currently evaluating quantum-resistant signatures and developing seamless methods for users to upgrade their keys without risking their cash.
Some of the highlights include:
Post-quantum preparedness: Preparing against quantum computers capable of breaking current cryptography.
Native account abstraction: Transitioning from outdated ECDSA keys to more robust alternatives.
Censorship resistance: Ensuring no single entity can block legitimate transactions using Fork-Choice Enforced Inclusion Lists (FOCIL) and other technologies.
Looking Ahead
With Glamsterdam and Hegotá on the horizon, Ethereum is entering a phase of consistent, accelerated improvement.
The network is evolving from a basic smart-contract platform into a global settlement layer that is scalable, user-focused, and future-proof.
For everyday users, this means lower fees, faster applications, and confidence that their funds remain secure against future technological threats.
Developers gain opportunities to build more ambitious and innovative solutions.
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