Deep Dive
1. Mainnet 18 Upgrade (11 June 2026)
Overview: This upgrade made the network's pricing data more reliable and automated the process of reclaiming unused computing resources. For users, this means more stable service costs and efficient use of the cloud marketplace.
The activation introduced Oracle v2, which replaces block-height timestamps with real-world clock times for price feeds, improving accuracy for staleness detection and time-weighted average price (TWAP) calculations. It also implemented Resource Reclamation under AEP-82, which automatically closes idle market orders to free up capacity, and fixed issues with Market Order Close events. The upgrade was backward-compatible, requiring no action from users with existing deployments.
What this means: This is bullish for AKT because it makes the core marketplace more reliable and efficient. Users get more accurate pricing and providers can better utilize their hardware, which could lead to increased network usage and demand for AKT tokens.
(TradingView News)
2. Mainnet 16 Upgrade (4 March 2026)
Overview: This update focused on improving the experience for developers deploying applications, especially those operating at a large scale. It delivered a faster and smoother interface for managing cloud workloads.
The upgrade enhanced the Akash Console, giving developers greater visibility and control over their deployments. The improvements were targeted at users running many applications, making it easier to monitor and manage resources efficiently.
What this means: This is bullish for AKT because a better developer experience lowers the barrier to entry and encourages more projects to build on Akash. A stronger, more usable network can drive higher adoption and utility for the AKT token.
(Akash Network)
3. Blockchain Migration Evaluation (October 2025)
Overview: Akash's founder announced the deprecation of its current Cosmos SDK-based blockchain to evaluate a migration to a new network. This strategic move aims to find a foundation with stronger security and liquidity to support growing demand for decentralized AI compute.
The team is transparently evaluating over 15 blockchains, including Solana as a strong contender, prioritizing security, community quality, and deep liquidity. The process is community-driven, and any new network will maintain IBC compatibility to ensure interoperability within the Cosmos ecosystem. This represents a major potential architectural shift for the project's underlying infrastructure.
What this means: This is neutral for AKT in the short term, as it introduces uncertainty, but could be very bullish long-term if successful. A migration to a more robust chain could significantly improve network security, scalability, and attract new developers, ultimately increasing the value of the Akash ecosystem.
(The Block)
Conclusion
Akash Network's development trajectory shows a clear focus on refining its core marketplace efficiency and preparing its infrastructure for enterprise-scale AI compute demand. The recent Mainnet upgrades directly enhance user experience and network reliability, while the exploration of a blockchain migration underscores a strategic commitment to long-term security and growth. Will the project's focus on developer tooling and infrastructure resilience be enough to capture a meaningful share of the decentralized cloud market?