The Pectra update for Ethereum, combining the Prague and Electra updates, was enacted at epoch 364032 on May 7, 2025, introducing 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIP) aimed at enhancing scalability, security, and user experience.
The Pectra update is activated with 11 key improvements.
The update, activated at 6 AM Eastern Time, focuses on validator efficiency, layer two (L2) scalability, and wallet functionality. Key changes include EIP-7251, which increases validator capacity to 2,048 ETH to streamline staking operations, and EIP-6110, which reduces deposit delays from hours to minutes. EIP-7002 enhances exit security for validators by allowing execution-level triggers.
Scalability achievements focus on EIP-7691, doubling blob throughput to reduce layer 2 fees, and EIP-7623, incentivizing the use of blobs instead of more expensive calldata. Wallet usability is improved through EIP-7702, allowing externally owned accounts (EOA) to temporarily act as smart contracts for batch transactions and gas sponsorship.
Security updates include EIP-2537, which lowers gas costs for cryptographic operations, and EIP-2935, enhancing access to historical data for cross-chain applications. The update also simplifies inter-level communication with EIP-7685.
Validators and staking providers benefit from reduced operational overhead, while developers receive tools for cheaper and faster rollups. Users will see gradual improvements as new features are implemented in wallets and decentralized applications (dapps).
Despite issues with the testnet, the transition to the mainnet appears stable.