Deep Dive
1. Hardfork v1.8 (2 February 2026)
Overview: This is a scheduled network upgrade that significantly updates the underlying blockchain software. It requires validators to update their nodes before the activation block.
The upgrade includes moving to Cosmos SDK v0.53 and IBC-go v10, which improves network performance, security, and cross-chain communication reliability. A key addition is the new 08-wasm module, which introduces WebAssembly (Wasm) light client support. This allows for more flexible and extensible connections between different blockchains. The Bonus module is also enhanced to support multiple reward tokens instead of just one.
What this means: This is bullish for AIOZ because it makes the network faster, more secure, and better at interacting with other blockchains. For users and developers, this means a more robust foundation for building decentralized applications (dApps) and a smoother experience with cross-chain features.
(Source)
2. Hardfork v1.7.1 (July 2025)
Overview: This upgrade was implemented as part of AIOZ's 2025 roadmap, focusing on core blockchain improvements without immediate price impact.
The hardfork aimed to increase the Layer-1 blockchain's efficiency, scalability, and reliability. It built upon previous upgrades (v1.5.0 and v1.7.0) that emphasized security and scalability, setting a precedent for maintaining network stability. The changes are designed to support improved dApp functionality and make the network more attractive for enterprise integrations over the long term.
What this means: This is neutral to bullish for AIOZ. While it doesn't change the user experience overnight, it strengthens the network's technical foundation. This is crucial for long-term growth, as a more scalable and secure blockchain can attract more developers and complex applications.
(Source)
3. Mainnet Release v1.4.0 (28 April 2023)
Overview: This older but foundational release integrated major updates from the Cosmos ecosystem and added key functionality for Ethereum compatibility.
It updated the core dependencies—Cosmos SDK, Ethermint, and IBC-go—bringing numerous bug fixes and improvements. It introduced the "wetx" module, which allows users to send EVM (Ethereum-style) transactions using Cosmos-based signing. It also enhanced the AIOZRC-20 module with a converter, giving the wrapped token access to AIOZ-specific features like IBC and Gravity Bridge from the Ethereum environment.
What this means: This was a significant technical update that made the AIOZ blockchain more versatile and user-friendly. It bridged the gap between Ethereum and Cosmos ecosystems, allowing developers to leverage tools from both worlds and simplifying the experience for users dealing with wrapped assets.
(Source)
Conclusion
AIOZ Network's development trajectory shows a consistent focus on upgrading core infrastructure for better scalability, security, and interoperability, with a major upgrade scheduled for early 2026. How will these technical enhancements translate into increased on-chain activity and developer adoption?