Bitcoin applications usher in a turning point: Payment infrastructure maturity in 2026 drives a leap in practicality

OldLeekNewSickle · 2026-01-04T18:10:27+00:00

The focus of Bitcoin's transformation is on application rather than price. Advances in payment technology are shifting BTC toward being a medium of exchange, with 2026 indicating a significant increase in practicality. Square has integrated BTC payments to enhance mainstream commercial applications. At the same time, the Lightning Network significantly reduces transaction costs. During the price adjustment period, investors can seize buying opportunities, and 2026 will be a key time for strategic deployment. Bitcoin's prospects are broad.

OldLeekNewSickle

2026-01-04 18:10:27

Abstract generation in progress

The true turning point of Bitcoin is not in its price, but in its application. As payment technology continues to improve, the shift of BTC from a pure store of value to a medium of exchange is accelerating. According to industry analysts, 2026 will be a critical period for a significant increase in Bitcoin’s practicality.

Payment Infrastructure Takes the Lead

Payment solution provider Square has taken the lead by integrating Bitcoin payment functionality into its sales platform, allowing merchants to accept BTC payments and automatically convert 1% of their revenue into Bitcoin reserves. This move marks the beginning of Bitcoin’s application moving from the fringes to mainstream business processes.

Even more noteworthy is the development of the Bitcoin Lightning Network. As a second-layer scaling solution, it greatly reduces payment costs and speed barriers, making small transactions more convenient. Industry estimates suggest that the Lightning Network could capture 5% of stablecoin traffic by 2028, which would be a huge milestone.

Price Adjustment Period Is Also an Opportunity

Currently, Bitcoin is priced at $91.35K. Early investor Michael Terpin predicts that the price may face a correction before the end of 2025, but this is not bad news. Terpin believes that Bitcoin’s price may bottom around $60,000 in Q4 2026, which presents an excellent buying window.

He further points out that the end of 2026 will be a better time for strategic positioning. The bearish market sentiment will gradually be replaced by large-scale buying in 2028 and 2029. In other words, the price correction in 2026 is to build momentum for subsequent growth.

The Significance of the Practicality Turning Point

Although Bitcoin’s performance in 2025 may be below that of the beginning of the year, the payment ecosystem and application scenarios will see significant expansion in 2026. This is the true turning point for Bitcoin — not just a numerical change, but a reshaping of its identity from a speculative asset to a practical tool.

BTC-2,11%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.