Latest Core (CORE) News Update

Deep Dive

1. @Abdulhamidhab15: A Builder's Case vs. Pi Network bullish

"Pi Network: 5 years. 60M users. Still waiting for utility 🟧 Core DAO: 2 years. Bitcoin L1. SatPay. $58.9K fees. Real yield. One talks. One builds. I know where my money is. $CORE > $PI" – @Abdulhamidhab15 (2,558 followers · 16 August 2026 19:42 UTC) View original post What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it positions the project as a working, revenue-generating infrastructure for Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi), contrasting it with projects perceived as all hype and no utility. It appeals to investors seeking tangible fundamentals.

2. @MasoudUmar: Core as Bitcoin's Power Grid bullish

"$Bitcoin is the energy. ⚡ $Core is building the grid that helps put that Bitcoin to work. Instead of BTC just sitting in wallets, Core aims to make it useful for earning yield, lending, trading, payments, and other Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi) use cases." – @MasoudUmar (1,167 followers · 13 August 2026 19:20 UTC) View original post What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it frames the token as a critical, long-term infrastructure investment tied to Bitcoin's evolution from a passive store of value into a productive asset, potentially driving sustained demand.

3. OKX Orbit User: Awaiting the Product Catalyst mixed

The analysis notes CORE trades around $0.020, down over 99% from its peak, but highlights that "app-level fees hit $58.9K over 30 days versus just $274 in base-chain gas fees." However, it states ecosystem growth "hinges on SatPay and lstBTC, both delayed for retail users." – OKX Orbit Analysis (9 August 2026 00:00 UTC) What this means: This presents a mixed outlook. The high app fees are fundamentally bullish, indicating real usage and revenue potential. Yet, the bearish overhang comes from delayed product launches, which are seen as the necessary catalyst to translate ecosystem activity into token price appreciation.

Conclusion

The consensus on CORE is cautiously bullish among believers, tempered by the reality of its deep price drawdown. The dominant narrative is one of infrastructure-building for Bitcoin DeFi, with real revenue already being generated by applications. However, sentiment is held back by delays in key consumer products like SatPay. Watch for the public launch of SatPay and on-chain records of protocol revenue buybacks, as these are the clearest signals that CORE's fundamental flywheel is engaging.

Deep Dive

1. Users Return to Core Network (17 August 2026)

Overview: On-chain data shows a recovery in Core Network's fundamental activity. Daily active users increased from 8,974 on August 7 to 9,118 on August 16, with 372 new users added on the latest day. Transaction volumes have held steady, and fees earned over the last 30 days rose 4.4% to $254.80. While Total Value Locked (TVL) has declined, the divergence suggests broader user engagement persists despite liquidity consolidation. Core DAO remains the largest Bitcoin sidechain by TVL, with 5,541 BTC staked.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it indicates recovering network fundamentals and user adoption independent of price action. Sustained growth in active users and fee revenue could support the protocol's shift toward a revenue-driven tokenomics model, though broader BTCFi adoption is needed for a major turnaround.

(CoinMarketCap)

2. Advocates Urge SEC to Scrap Rule 611 (17 August 2026)

Overview: The Hyperliquid Policy Center and Douro Labs (a core Pyth Network contributor) submitted a joint letter to the U.S. SEC advocating for the repeal of Rule 611. This rule, designed for traditional stock markets, mandates trade-through prevention and best price execution—mechanics that don't align with onchain Automated Market Makers (AMMs) and decentralized order books like those in Core's ecosystem. The groups propose new, principles-based guidance tailored for onchain markets.

What this means: This is neutral but contextually positive for CORE as it reflects a broader industry push for regulatory clarity that recognizes decentralized trading. A favorable SEC outcome could reduce future compliance burdens for platforms in Core's ecosystem, potentially fostering innovation. However, the direct impact on Core's token price remains indirect and long-term.

(CoinMarketCap)

Conclusion

Core is demonstrating resilience with improving on-chain metrics, even as the broader industry seeks regulatory frameworks better suited to its technology. The key question is whether this user growth can accelerate and translate into sustained demand for the CORE token as its new economic model unfolds.

Deep Dive

1. Launch of lstBTC (Q3 2025)

Overview: A key item from Core's second-half 2025 roadmap is the launch of lstBTC (Core DAO). This liquid staking token is designed to wrap WBTC (a $14 billion asset) and provide it with a yield. The mechanism is designed to create recurring demand for CORE, as the protocol acquires and stakes CORE tokens whenever BTC or WBTC is converted into lstBTC.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it directly links the utility and demand for the token to the growth of Bitcoin-based DeFi (BTCfi) on Core. It provides a new yield-bearing asset for users and creates a sustainable buy pressure for CORE through its staking mechanism.

2. Native Major Stablecoin Integration (2025/2026)

Overview: Core DAO has announced that one of the world's largest stablecoins will soon exist natively within its ecosystem, not as a wrapped asset (Core DAO). This integration is a cornerstone for advanced DeFi applications, as stablecoins provide essential liquidity and a stable unit of account for lending, trading, and payments.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because a major native stablecoin significantly lowers the barrier to entry for users and developers. It enhances Core's utility as a full-stack Bitcoin finance platform, potentially driving higher transaction volumes and gas fee revenue, which feeds into the new buyback model.

3. Hardware Wallet Staking Partnership (2025/2026)

Overview: Aiming to tap into the estimated 25% of Bitcoin held in hardware wallets, Core plans a partnership with a major hardware wallet provider (Core DAO). This would allow users to stake their Bitcoin directly from cold storage, significantly improving security and accessibility for institutional and retail holders seeking yield.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it could unlock a massive, previously passive segment of the Bitcoin supply. By making non-custodial staking more secure and convenient, Core can dramatically increase the total value of Bitcoin participating in its consensus, strengthening network security and driving more rewards to CORE stakers.

4. Revenue-Driven Token Buyback Program (2026)

Overview: A central pillar of the 2026 roadmap is a shift from an inflationary emission model to a sustainable revenue-based one (CoinMarketCap). Protocol revenue generated from Bitcoin staking, liquid staking tokens (like lstBTC), and flagship products like the SatPay neobank will be used to systematically buy back CORE tokens from the market.

What this means: This is a crucial transition for CORE, moving from a model that dilutes holders to one that creates direct buy pressure and returns value to the community. Its success is inherently tied to the adoption and revenue generation of Core's entire BTCfi ecosystem, making the success of other roadmap items paramount.

Conclusion

Core's roadmap is strategically pivoting from foundational development to ecosystem scaling and sustainable tokenomics, with its success increasingly tied to real Bitcoin DeFi adoption. Will the launch of key products like lstBTC and SatPay generate sufficient revenue to validate its new buyback-driven economic model?

Deep Dive

1. v26 Protocol Upgrade (August 2026)

Overview: This is a mandatory protocol upgrade for the Core mainnet. It focuses on enhancing the underlying security of smart contracts and improving the mechanics for cross-chain interactions and gas fees, which are critical for a seamless DeFi experience.

The upgrade requires all node operators to update their software before the activation date. It introduces optimizations to the core protocol logic, aiming to reduce potential attack vectors and make transactions more efficient. For users, this happens in the background but results in a more robust and cost-effective network.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it directly addresses technical debt and security concerns, making the blockchain more attractive for developers to build serious financial applications. A more secure and efficient network builds greater trust for both users and institutions.

(Source)

2. Core Node v1.2.0 Release (October 2025)

Overview: This release delivered crucial improvements to the node software that validators and operators must run. It enhanced how the network handles transaction orders and upgraded security protocols, specifically for atomic swap order flows.

The update was a prerequisite for a scheduled mainnet hard fork around January 21, 2026. Failure to upgrade would cause nodes to become incompatible with the network, emphasizing its critical nature for network continuity and security.

What this means: This is neutral to bullish for CORE. While mandatory upgrades carry short-term operational risk, they are essential for long-term health. The improvements lay the groundwork for more complex and secure financial operations, which is vital for Core's Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi) ambitions.

(Source)

3. Core 5.0 Testnet at 90% Completion (November 2025)

Overview: This development update highlighted that a major new version of the Core blockchain was nearing completion on testnet. The focus was on achieving breakthroughs in fundamental stability for block producers and streamlining the entire transaction process.

Core 5.0 represents a significant architectural overhaul. Progress in these areas suggests the team is tackling core scalability and reliability challenges, which are common pain points for growing Layer 1 networks.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because solving deep technical issues around block production and transaction flow is necessary to support mass adoption. A successful upgrade could lead to a faster, more reliable network, improving the user experience for all BTCFi applications.

(Source)

Conclusion

Core's development trajectory shows a clear focus on foundational upgrades—enhancing security, preparing for scalability, and refining core network mechanics. While the token price has faced extreme pressure, the codebase is actively evolving to support its ambitious BTCFi vision. Will the upcoming v26 upgrade and eventual Core 5.0 mainnet launch provide the technical catalyst needed to rebuild confidence?