An improved version of Cardano’s existing mainnet is expected to launch in 2026. The aim is to extensively revamp the Cardano ecosystem, which could potentially trigger a long-awaited turnaround for its native token, ADA. 

In a recent post shared with X, Input Output Global (IOG), the organization backing Cardano reiterated the network’s long-term vision for the Cardano ecosystem through implementing Leios.

Leios implementation – Increasing network throughput by optimizing resource use and transaction processing.The Cardano mainnet can experience congestion with high transaction volume. Block utilization sometimes peaks, and emerging use cases will demand even higher throughput… pic.twitter.com/n5SwIZMgKS

— Input Output (@InputOutputHK) June 19, 2025

By integrating Leios into the network, IOG intends to increase network throughput by optimizing resource use and transaction processing. 

Congestion is a key network limitation observed during periods of high transaction volumes. With block utilization failing, and emerging use cases requiring higher throughput capabilities, Leios is expected to become a game changer.

The Leios upgrade is designed to boost the network’s throughput by optimizing available resources and implementing efficient transaction methods. To sustain data availability and security, Leios will utilize the time between endorsements and Praos blocks—a core component of the network’s Ouroboros POS consensus mechanism.

In the long term, IOG asserts that the upgrade will spearhead overall network growth and accommodate complex applications on the Cardano network. 

“Leios aims to significantly increase transaction throughput on the Cardano mainnet – this enhancement will support a growing ecosystem and more demanding applications.” — IOG

With blockchain upgrades come renewed expectations amongst market players, especially for the network’s native token, which happens to be ADA in Cardano’s case. 

ADA’s volatile state and unstable price movements have been of major concern for investors and traders alike. With the arrival of Leios, market players anticipate a massive turnaround in the asset’s performance, one that could send the token to new price levels. 

At the time of this report, ADA was trading at $0.55, with 7-day losses of up to 3%.