Pi Network Completes v19.6 Upgrade Before March 12 DEX Debut

TLDR

Table of Contents

Pi Network completed its mandatory v19.6 node upgrade on February 15.
PI price gained 40% between February 11 and February 16.
Pi DEX launch and testnet shutdown are scheduled for March 12.
Over 16 million migrated users are preparing for on-chain trading.

Pi Network has completed its mandatory v19.6 node upgrade ahead of the planned March 12 decentralized exchange launch. The update was finalized on February 15 and applies to all mainnet nodes. The development comes as PI price recorded a weekly gain of about 40 percent.

Feb 15 mandatory node upgrade was just the beginning. It's the first step in a series of protocol upgrades paving the way for the Pi DEX infrastructure activation March 12. We're building a functional, decentralized economy for our 16M+ migrated Pioneers. #PiNetwork #Web3 #DeFi pic.twitter.com/9jFTL6kE54
— drealFx || π 🕊 (@okere_eberechi) February 16, 2026

The upgrade marks a key step in the roadmap leading to the Pi DEX activation. Network participants are preparing for expanded on-chain trading features. The platform has reported more than 16 million migrated users ahead of the next phase.

Mandatory v19.6 Node Upgrade Completed

Pi Network required all mainnet node operators to install version 19.6 by February 15. Nodes that failed to update risked disconnection from the network. The upgrade focused on stability, security, and improved scalability.

Developers stated that the update is part of a series of protocol improvements. These changes are intended to prepare the system for higher transaction volumes. The network expects increased activity as new features are introduced.

The update also aims to ensure smoother coordination between nodes. Improved performance is necessary before the decentralized exchange goes live. Community channels confirmed broad participation in the upgrade process.

Preparations for March 12 DEX Launch

The Pi DEX is scheduled to launch on March 12. On the same date, the testnet environment is expected to shut down. This transition will move trading functions fully onto the mainnet.

The decentralized exchange will allow users to trade tokens within the Pi ecosystem. It is designed to support direct peer-to-peer transactions. Developers plan to expand services gradually after the initial rollout.

The DEX forms part of a broader effort to build an internal digital economy. Users who migrated to the mainnet are expected to access new trading tools. The network has reported over 16 million migrated participants preparing for these features.

Market Reaction and Price Movement

The completion of the upgrade coincided with increased market activity. Between February 11 and February 16, PI price rose about 40 percent. The token reached the $0.20 level during this period.

Market data shows that the rally aligned with rising attention around the DEX launch. Trading volumes also increased as the upgrade deadline approached. Analysts have noted resistance near the $0.20 range.

Broader cryptocurrency market trends may influence short-term price movement. However, the upcoming DEX launch remains a central event for the community. The network will mark its one-year mainnet anniversary on February 20.

Roadmap and Ongoing Development

Pi Network has indicated that more protocol updates are planned in the coming weeks. Each version aims to improve performance and network coordination. Developers are working to support heavier transaction loads.

The focus remains on maintaining stability while expanding functionality. The March 12 DEX launch is positioned as the next operational milestone. Network participants continue preparing for full on-chain trading access.

The completion of the v19.6 upgrade places the project closer to activating its decentralized exchange. The coming weeks will center on system readiness and user onboarding as the scheduled launch date approaches.