Ethereum’s upcoming “Glamsterdam” upgrade has entered its final testing phase, with developers now targeting a mainnet launch in the third quarter of 2026 after a slight delay from earlier expectations. The overhaul introduces changes designed to significantly increase network capacity while preserving decentralization and limiting hardware demands for node operators.
Key changes aim to unlock higher capacity
At the core of the upgrade are three major protocol changes: proposer-builder separation (EIP-7732), block-level access lists (EIP-7928), and redesigned gas pricing (EIP-8037). Together, these mechanisms are expected to support a tested throughput threshold of 200 million gas, not as a fixed setting but as a sustainable operational level.
Rather than simply increasing block size, the upgrade restructures how blocks are built, processed, and priced. Developers say this approach reduces bottlenecks that have historically constrained Ethereum’s throughput.
Block production and processing redesigned
Proposer-builder separation will be integrated directly into Ethereum’s consensus layer, replacing reliance on external relay systems. This change extends the block processing window from about two seconds to roughly nine seconds, giving nodes more time to handle larger blocks and additional data.
Block-level access lists introduce another structural shift by requiring builders to declare which parts of the chain’s state will be accessed before execution. This allows clients to process non-conflicting transactions simultaneously instead of sequentially. Historical analysis suggests that 60% to 80% of transactions could be executed in parallel under this model, easing one of Ethereum’s long-standing computational constraints.
Gas pricing overhaul targets state growth
The redesigned gas model separates computational costs from storage costs, directly addressing Ethereum’s expanding database size. After the last gas limit increase, daily state growth rose sharply, prompting concerns about long-term sustainability.
Under the new framework, operations that add permanent data, such as deploying contracts or creating accounts, will become more expensive. In contrast, transactions relying mostly on computation are expected to see more stable and predictable fees. The goal is to align transaction costs with their long-term impact on the network.
Impact on costs and network activity
For users, the changes could lead to more consistent transaction fees and improved accuracy in wallet gas estimates. Simple transfers may become cheaper due to higher overall capacity, while storage-heavy operations will likely cost more under the revised pricing structure.
The upgrade is also expected to benefit Layer 2 ecosystems. The extended processing window allows more blob data to be included in blocks, potentially lowering data availability costs for rollups, which already handle a growing share of daily transactions.
Infrastructure updates and ecosystem improvements
Node operators and infrastructure providers will need to transition to Glamsterdam-compatible clients ahead of the upgrade. No direct action will be required from ETH holders.
Additional improvements include standardized transfer logs under EIP-7708, which will create consistent records for all ETH movements, including those within smart contract interactions. This is expected to simplify tracking and integration for wallets and platforms.
A shift toward deeper architectural scaling
Glamsterdam marks Ethereum’s most significant architectural update since the Merge, moving beyond incremental scaling toward a broader redesign of execution and consensus systems. By focusing on protocol-level efficiency rather than hardware expansion, developers aim to increase throughput while maintaining broad participation across the network.
As testing continues, the upgrade reflects a longer-term strategy to scale Ethereum through structural optimization, laying the groundwork for future growth without compromising its decentralized foundation.
To deepen your understanding of Ethereum, explore our guide What is Ethereum and how does it work today.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not represent the views or financial advice of Toobit. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and shall not be held liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from its use. Investing in digital assets involves risk; users should independently evaluate their financial situation and the risks involved. For further details, please consult our Terms of Service and Risk Disclosure.
