The Ethereum network is gearing up for its next pivotal hard fork, the Ethereum Glamsterdam upgrade, now targeted for late August 2026. This extensive protocol change represents the most significant since The Merge in September 2022. It aims to dramatically boost scalability and efficiency across the network.
With the upgrade entering its final devnet stage as of July 5, 2026, market confidence is evident. The price of Ethereum (ETH) has recently climbed above $1,770 this week, reflecting growing optimism for the network’s future.
Ethereum Glamsterdam upgrade enters final testing stage
The Glamsterdam upgrade marks a crucial point in Ethereum’s ambitious development roadmap. As a comprehensive hard fork, it will fundamentally redefine how the network processes and verifies blocks. Developers are working to reorganise transaction processing and database management for a more robust and efficient infrastructure.
Originally, reports had indicated a June 2026 target for the mainnet activation. However, it’s now firmly expected to launch in the third quarter of 2026, with the end of August specifically in sight. As of today, July 5, 2026, the upgrade has officially entered its final devnet stage, with development networks actively live and undergoing rigorous testing protocols.
The name “Glamsterdam” itself is a clever portmanteau. It combines “Amsterdam,” representing an execution layer upgrade named after a past Devconnect location, with “Gloas,” a consensus layer upgrade named after a celestial star. This unique naming highlights the upgrade’s holistic scope, impacting both core layers of the Ethereum blockchain.
This latest development follows two other notable upgrades that paved the way for Glamsterdam. The Pectra upgrade launched on May 7, 2025, and the Fusaka upgrade followed on December 3, 2025. Each prior upgrade has incrementally enhanced the network’s capabilities, steadily progressing towards Ethereum’s broader vision for expansion.
For the vast majority of users holding ETH, no specific action is required in anticipation of Glamsterdam. However, validators responsible for operating the network must proactively update their clients to the latest versions. These updated clients will include Glamsterdam support, ensuring seamless operation and continued participation once the mainnet activation occurs.
Core EIPs to Reshape Block Processing and Fees
Several key Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) are locked into the Glamsterdam upgrade, forming the backbone of its ambitious targets. These proposals tackle critical aspects of the network’s performance, from how blocks are created to the pricing of data storage and overall transaction costs. They are designed to deliver significant gains in efficiency.
A central element is EIP 7732, known as Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS). This proposal moves the complex process of block-building directly on-chain. This structural change is projected to significantly reduce Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) extraction by up to 70%, fostering a fairer and more predictable environment for block production.
Another vital component is EIP 7928, which introduces Block-Level Access Lists (BALs). This EIP, along with EIP 7904, a general gas repricing package, directly addresses transaction costs. By optimising how transaction data is managed and priced, these proposals lay the essential groundwork for substantial fee reductions for users.
EIP 8037 also plays a pivotal role in boosting network efficiency. It introduces smarter pricing mechanisms for data storage by raising the cost of state creation operations. This incentivises more judicious and efficient use of network resources, contributing to the overall health and long-term sustainability of the Ethereum blockchain.
Dramatic Performance Boosts Target User Experience
The combined effect of these carefully selected EIPs within the Glamsterdam framework is set to usher in significant performance improvements. Both Ethereum users and developers stand to benefit from these changes. These aren’t minor adjustments; they represent a fundamental leap forward for the Layer 1 blockchain’s capabilities.
One of the most impactful targets is a 200 million gas limit floor, which represents a nearly threefold increase in Ethereum’s current Layer 1 capacity. The network currently operates at approximately 60 million gas. This substantial expansion directly translates into the network’s ability to handle far more transactions concurrently, reducing bottlenecks.
Transaction speed is another major area of focus. Glamsterdam aims for an impressive 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), which would be roughly ten times what Ethereum handles today. This tenfold increase will dramatically enhance user experience, making the network feel faster and more responsive for decentralised applications and transfers.
Key details
Regarding transaction costs, projections are equally compelling. Standard ETH transfer costs are expected to fall by up to 71%. Furthermore, EIP-7904 is projected to cut Layer 1 fees by approximately 78.6%. These reductions are crucial for making Ethereum more accessible and cost-effective for a wider range of users and use cases.
Beyond speed and cost, Glamsterdam also lays vital groundwork for parallel transaction processing. This architectural shift means that the network will eventually be able to process multiple transactions simultaneously. Such a capability is essential for true, long-term scalability, allowing Ethereum to grow and serve a global user base far more effectively.
Looking ahead, this positions Ethereum strongly, even as Ethereum navigates key support levels amid broader market dynamics.
Ethereum’s Trajectory Towards Widespread Adoption
As the Glamsterdam upgrade progresses through its final development stages, the broader cryptocurrency market watches closely. Ethereum’s price has already responded positively to the impending changes, climbing above $1,770 this week. This indicates strong investor confidence in the network’s future growth and its capacity to deliver on its ambitious technical roadmap.
Glamsterdam is more than just another technical update; it’s a foundational step in Ethereum’s “expansion phase.” The network’s long-term strategy aims for unprecedented levels of scalability, security, and sustainability. It envisions a platform capable of supporting billions of users and countless decentralised applications.
This pursuit of widespread adoption underpins every major upgrade, ensuring Ethereum remains at the forefront of blockchain innovation. The successful implementation of Glamsterdam will solidify its position as a leading smart contract platform for years to come. This is especially pertinent as the Ethereum price outlook develops in response to technical analysis and institutional sentiment.