Will the Pi Network upgrade help the price bounce back?

Pi Network (PI) is entering a critical phase with the issuance of Pi Node Linux and preparing for the protocol upgrade to version 23.

However, the paradox is that Pi Coin is currently trading just a few percent above its all-time low, leaving investors both anxious and hopeful for a strong recovery.

Infrastructure Version Upgrade

Pi Network has officially introduced Linux Node and plans to upgrade the protocol from version 19 to 23.

The notice states:

“In the coming weeks, there will be several phases of protocol upgrades, starting with Testnet1 this week, followed by Testnet2 and Mainnet, which may require planned blockchain service downtime.”

Pi Node Linux allows operators to run standard node software, replacing the need for custom builds – especially for service providers and exchanges that rely on the Linux environment.

As a result, operators can easily manage protocol updates or enable Pi’s automatic update feature, minimizing differences in node configuration and reinforcing the stability of the network.

For the community, although Linux support does not directly provide Node rewards immediately, it helps lower the barriers to entry. This allows developers and users with technical skills to contribute more to the ecosystem.

Alongside that, Pi announced a multi-phase protocol upgrade, starting with Testnet1 in the coming weeks, followed by Testnet2. After that, the Mainnet will bring the entire ecosystem to version 23 — a Pi variant adjusted from Stellar Protocol v23. Pi also plans to integrate the identity verification mechanism (KYC) right at the protocol layer, while gradually delegating identity verification to trusted organizations.

The team reported that there are over 14.82 million users who have completed KYC and transitioned to the mainnet. This is an important milestone to unlock integrations that require identity verification.

Prices drop amid mixed signals

From a market perspective, macro pressure and the volatility of Bitcoin are pulling PI into a risk zone. Real-time data shows that PI is trading around $0.34, just slightly above the record low of $0.331 on 26/8/2025(. This fragile range could easily be broken if pessimistic sentiment increases.

Considering the most recent peak recorded in February at $2.99, it can be seen that several consecutive months of decline have wiped out most of the gains made since the beginning of this year.

!)[PI]https://img-cdn.gateio.im/webp-social/moments-117ad9e626323750125892d01ef43a38.webp(Price chart of PI | Source: TradingviewThe technical signals remain mixed. Some analyses emphasize the bullish divergence on momentum indicators, indicating that PI could recover 40% if it regains the resistance areas. However, this scenario heavily depends on new buying inflows and the overall market conditions.

On the contrary, another report warns that Bitcoin could pull PI down to a new low due to its increasingly tight correlation with BTC. If Bitcoin weakens, the risk of PI breaking through the historical support level is very real.

In summary, Pi has both strengthened its infrastructure and tested price bottoms. The price range near all-time lows is always attractive to risk-seeking investors, but strict risk management — including setting clear stop-loss orders, reasonable position allocation, and waiting for trend confirmation — is essential.

For developers, the launch of Pi Node Linux and the v23 upgrade opens a timely opportunity to test initial integrations, especially as KYC is introduced into the protocol layer. This could become a competitive advantage as institutional capital returns.

Dinh Dinh