Mandatory Feb 15 upgrade: non‑updated Pi nodes disconnect; market may react
Pi Network has set a mandatory Mainnet node upgrade deadline for February 15, 2026, and nodes that do not update by the cutoff risk being disconnected from the network, according to Coinfomania (https://coinfomania.com/pi-network-sets-february-15-deadline-for-mainnet-node-upgrade/). The requirement elevates operational risk around the switchover window, with potential short-lived disruptions for operators who lag implementation.
In parallel, the Core Team has reported meaningful progress on infrastructure, with 16 million Pioneers migrated to Mainnet, based on data from CryptoRank (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/b641b-pi-network-announces-major-upgrades-with-feb-15-deadline-what-pioneers-need-to-know). While stronger network readiness can mitigate technical friction, forced disconnects for outdated nodes could still affect throughput and require resynchronization, factors that markets sometimes price as temporary uncertainty.
Network-wide upgrades can introduce timing and execution risks that prompt precautionary positioning among traders. As with other protocol cutovers, liquidity often shifts around the event window as participants reassess validation capacity and settlement reliability in the near term.
Near‑term PI outlook: weak momentum, fragile support, high volatility
At the time of this writing, PI has recently held above $0.13 and was last cited near $0.134, as reported by CoinGape (https://coingape.com/markets/pi-network-price-prediction-as-mainnet-upgrade-deadline-nears-on-feb-15/). That snapshot follows a softer week, indicating waning momentum into the upgrade window and reinforcing sensitivity to headlines.
Price action in recent sessions has clustered in a narrow band, with market participants watching the $0.13 area where demand has tended to emerge and supply appearing closer to ~$0.15 in recent trading, per the same report. Elevated day-to-day swings underscore that positioning remains fragile, and any decisive breach of this observed range would typically signal a change in the near-term balance of risk without implying direction.
Supply and listing factors: token unlocks, Stellar context, Kraken chatter
Cardence.io highlights an upcoming unlock of approximately 82 million PI tokens, which could expand circulating float and pressure order books as allocations vest (https://cardence.io/cryptocurrency/pi-crypto-value-prediction-2026-can-pi-network-reach-mass-adoption/). Unlock schedules often act as mechanical supply catalysts, and their impact depends on allocation dispersion, recipient behavior, and prevailing liquidity conditions.
The same analysis references unconfirmed market chatter about a potential Kraken listing, which remains without official verification from the exchange or the project. If realized, additional fiat rails and order book depth could alter liquidity and price discovery mechanics, but absent confirmation it should be treated as speculative context rather than a base case.
For broader context, FXStreet has documented that PI shed more than 90% in 2025 after peaking near $3.00, and has framed network utility and the Stellar v23 protocol as potential structural catalysts contingent on delivery (https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/pi-network-price-annual-forecast-pi-set-for-rocky-2026-as-community-eyes-real-world-utility-202512190755/). FXStreet said, “PI dropped more than 90% in 2025 after reaching a peak of $3.00.”
Outcomes over the coming days will hinge on upgrade execution, clarity around tokenomics and unlock flows, and verification of any listing developments. All market figures referenced here are descriptive, sourced as cited, and may be delayed; they are not signals or recommendations.
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