Ethereum's “Pectra” upgrade was successfully completed on May 7, 2025, marking the network’s biggest transformation since the 2022 “Merge.” This update included 11 key Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), aiming to improve scalability, security, and user experience.
Key Highlights
Staking Limit Increase: EIP-7251 raised the validator staking cap from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH, allowing large stakers to consolidate more funds under a single node.
Smart Accounts: With EIP-7702, regular externally owned accounts (EOAs) can now function more like smart contracts. This enables users to pay gas fees using various tokens and execute multiple actions in a single transaction.
More Data per Block: The number of “blobs” (temporary data units) per block was doubled from 3 to 6, significantly lowering Layer-2 transaction costs—by up to 40%.
Challenges & Solutions
Some issues appeared during the Sepolia testnet phase, including mined empty blocks and deposit contract errors. Developers quickly addressed these bugs and launched a new testnet called “Holesky” for further verification.
Conclusion
The Pectra upgrade is a major leap forward for Ethereum’s scalability and security. While it hasn’t yet caused a price spike, it lays a strong foundation for future network growth and improved user interaction.