Pi Network Open Network 2026 Countdown Begins With SDK Launch
Pi Network enters its Open Network phase with a 10-minute payment integration, 15.8M mainnet migrations, and the major Protocol v23 upgrade.
Quick Take
Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.
New SDK enables Pi payment integration in under 10 minutes.
Protocol v23 is live, enhancing speed and on-chain KYC authority.
Over 15.8 million Pioneers have successfully migrated to the mainnet.
A critical mainnet governance vote is scheduled for January 22.
The countdown to Pi Network’s full open network launch in 2026 has officially started. New posts from the community on January 13 say the project is now entering its most important phase yet. The message is clear. Pi Network is no longer just about mining. It is now about real apps, real payments and real use.
🚨 The countdown to the full open network launch of #PiNetwork in 2026 has officially begun! 🕰️ With our brand-new SDK, developers can now build Pi-based applications in less than 10 minutes. ⚡️ KYC validator rewards will also be distributed to validators soon! 👨🏻⚕️
— PiNetwork DEX⚡️阿龙 (@fen_leng) January 13, 2026
We're not just… pic.twitter.com/KROreqDMwu
The post says “OPEN NETWORK 2026.” Which signals that the project is moving closer to full public access and real world adoption. The big highlight is a brand new developer SDK that lets builders add Pi payments into apps in less than 10 minutes. In short Pi Network says the future is coming fast.
A New SDK That Makes Building Easy
Recently, the Pi Core Team released a new developer library that combines the Pi SDK and backend tools into one simple setup. This means developers no longer need to deal with complex systems or long setup times. Now, developers can connect Pi payments to apps using popular tools like JavaScript, React and Next.js in just a few minutes.
That is a big change. The goal is to let builders focus on making useful apps. Instead of wasting time on setup. Pi wants more payment apps, more marketplaces, more games and more daily-use tools. This SDK is designed to make that happen faster.
Where Pi Network Stands Today
Pi Network moved into its Open Network phase in February 2025. That allowed the network to connect with the outside world for the first time. Since then the ecosystem has grown fast. Today, Pi has over 215 live apps, more than 15 million users have migrated to mainnet. Over 17 million users have completed KYC.
In January 2026, Pi also rolled out Protocol v23. This upgrade brings better speed, stronger security and smart contract support. A governance vote linked to mainnet progress is expected later this month. The full open network launch in 2026 is expected to unlock even more features. This includes the Pi DEX, DeFi tools, token creation and global payments.
Community Reaction Is Loud and Mixed
Long time Pi supporters are excited. Many say this is the moment they have waited for since Pi launched in 2019. Chinese community leaders are calling 2026 a “make or break” year for mass adoption. At the same time, some users remain cautious. Pi has delayed big milestones before. The token price has stayed near the $0.20 range for weeks. Some users want to see real apps and real usage before celebrating. Still most agree that easier tools for developers are a big step forward.
What Comes Next
Pi Network news today says it is done waiting. It is now building with a fast SDK, growing apps and a full open network coming in 2026. Pi wants to move from mining into daily life. Payments, shopping, gaming and global transfers are all part of the plan. If the open network launch goes well, millions of Pioneers could soon use Pi in real world apps
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