The Ethereum Foundation has outlined quantum security, higher gas limits and improved cross-chain usability as key protocol priorities for 2026, following what it called one of its “most productive years” in 2025.
In a statement released Wednesday, the foundation said it aims to continue scaling the gas limit “toward and beyond” 100 million, building on the increase from 30 million to 60 million achieved between the Pectra and Fusaka upgrades last year.
Community members have floated even higher targets, with Ethereum educator Anthony Sassano suggesting that 180 million in 2026 could represent a baseline rather than a best-case scenario.
The foundation also highlighted the upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade in the first half of 2026 and emphasised “post-quantum readiness” as part of a broader security initiative, with researcher Justin Drake saying the formation of a new Post-Quantum team marks an inflection point in Ethereum’s long-term strategy.
Improving user experience remains a focus, with plans to enhance smart wallets through native account abstraction and enable smoother, trust-minimised cross-layer-2 interactions supported by faster layer-1 confirmations and shorter settlement times.
The foundation described 2025 as a milestone year, noting two major network upgrades and the doubling of the gas limit for the first time since 2021.
The roadmap follows comments from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlining a future where Ethereum and artificial intelligence work together to improve markets and financial safety, reinforcing the network’s ambition to remain foundational infrastructure in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $1,979.52.