TLDR
- Pi Core Team set March 12 for Mainnet nodes to complete the version 20.2 upgrade.
- Mainnet nodes must update in order and cannot skip protocol versions.
- Pi tested AI computing tasks on node computers through an OpenMind case study.
- Nodes that miss the required upgrade may lose connection to the Pi Mainnet.
Pi Network is urging Mainnet node operators to complete the current protocol upgrade before March 12. The network said this step is required for nodes to stay connected. At the same time, the project is testing AI computing tasks on node computers during the upgrade phase.
The current step centers on version 20.2, and it sits within a larger upgrade path. Pi Network said node operators must update in order and cannot skip versions. The process moves from version 19 to version 23, while the team also studies new uses for idle node capacity.
Pi Network sets March 12 deadline for Mainnet node upgrades
Pi Core Team said all Mainnet nodes must complete the move to version 20.2 before March 12. The team said nodes must follow each release in sequence. The listed order is 19.1, 19.6, 19.9, 20.2, 21.1, 22.1, and 23.0. This means operators cannot skip directly to a later version.
The network said nodes that miss the required step may lose connection with the Mainnet. That warning places the current focus on version 20.2. Pi Network is presenting the update as a required maintenance step, and not as an optional feature change. The deadline also marks Step 3 in the current upgrade process.
Step by step rollout supports network stability
Pi Network said the upgrade path is designed to keep the network stable during technical changes. A step-by-step rollout can reduce errors, and it can also make fixes easier to track. For node operators, that means every release matters, and each update prepares the system for the next one.
The latest notice keeps attention on the near term task, which is completing version 20.2 on time. The network has not said operators can delay the step without risk. Instead, the message remains direct. As Pi Network stated, “all nodes must complete the upgrade to version 20.2 before March 12.”
Pi tests AI computing tasks on node computers
While the protocol work continues, Pi Network is also testing AI related workloads on node machines. A case study with OpenMind examined whether node computers could handle basic AI tasks. In the test, node operators ran software that processed object recognition jobs. The system reviewed AI generated images and returned results within seconds.
The test suggests Pi nodes could support work beyond blockchain transaction validation. Many node computers have unused CPU capacity, and that spare power could be assigned to distributed computing tasks. Pi Network has not announced a full rollout for this model. Still, the test shows the network is exploring another use for its existing node base.
Pi founder Chengdiao Fan also spoke about the reason for looking at AI and blockchain together. Fan said AI is changing economic systems, while automation is replacing some kinds of work. Fan added that blockchain could help support broader participation through verified digital identities and decentralized networks. For now, the main operational message remains unchanged. Pi Network is urging Mainnet nodes to complete upgrades by March 12.





