Latest Core (CORE) News Update

By CMC AI
03 August 2026 09:38PM (UTC+0)

What is the latest update in CORE’s codebase?

TLDR

Core's codebase is advancing with major testnet progress and a critical node upgrade.

  1. Core 5.0 Testnet Nears Completion (November 2025) – The testnet is 90% done, with breakthroughs in block production and network stability.

  2. Core Node v1.2.0 & Mainnet Hard Fork (October 2025) – A mandatory node release introduces security upgrades and prepares for a scheduled network hard fork.

Deep Dive

1. Core 5.0 Testnet Nears Completion (November 2025)

Overview: The development team reported that the Core 5.0 testnet has reached 90% completion. This major version focuses on overhauling the network's core architecture for improved reliability and performance, which users will experience as a more stable and efficient blockchain.

The update highlights "major breakthroughs in block producer stability, transaction flow, and overall network architecture." This suggests foundational improvements to how the network validates transactions and produces blocks, which are critical for preventing downtime and ensuring consistent performance. The final steps before public testing are now underway.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because a successful testnet is the final step before launching a major network upgrade. A more stable and efficient blockchain could attract more developers and users, increasing network activity and demand for the CORE token. (Solar)

2. Core Node v1.2.0 & Mainnet Hard Fork (October 2025)

Overview: The Core Node v1.2.0 software was released, requiring all network operators to update. This release includes important security upgrades and sets the stage for a scheduled mainnet hard fork, a mandatory upgrade that introduces new rules to the blockchain.

The update contains "order handling improvements, security upgrades, and updates to the API server and wallet for atomic swap order flow." A mainnet hard fork was scheduled for approximately January 21, 2026. This is a coordinated upgrade that ensures all participants are running compatible software to maintain network consensus and security.

What this means: This is neutral for CORE, as it represents essential maintenance. While the security improvements are positive, the hard fork process carries technical risk if not adopted smoothly. Successful execution is crucial for maintaining network integrity and user trust. (Mintlayer)

Conclusion

Core's development is focused on foundational upgrades, progressing from a near-complete testnet for a major version (5.0) to the execution of a scheduled hard fork. This trajectory emphasizes network stability and scalability, which are vital for its Bitcoin DeFi ambitions. Will the successful deployment of Core 5.0 catalyze the next wave of ecosystem growth?

What is the latest news on CORE?

TLDR

Core's news blends technical upgrades with deep price volatility. Here are the latest headlines:

  1. Split Delegation Goes Live (3 August 2026) – Stakers can now spread tokens across multiple validators without losing daily rewards.

  2. Token Hits All-Time Low, Then Rebounds (31 July 2026) – CORE plunged over 99.5% from its peak before bouncing 7% on increased volume.

  3. Core Scientific Inks Major AI Deal with AMD (2 August 2026) – A 15-year, $14B lease for data center power highlights institutional infrastructure demand.

Deep Dive

1. Split Delegation Goes Live (3 August 2026)

Overview: The Core Network Upgrade 1.0.4 introduced split delegation, a feature allowing CORE stakers to divide their stake across several validators simultaneously. This removes the previous penalty of forfeiting a day's rewards when redelegating, enabling more dynamic capital allocation based on validator performance and commission rates. What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it improves the staking experience, reduces concentration risk for large holders, and could attract more capital to the network's Delegated Proof-of-Stake system by making stake management more efficient and flexible. (CoinMarketCap)

2. Token Hits All-Time Low, Then Rebounds (31 July 2026)

Overview: CORE plummeted to $0.01678 on 28 July 2026, marking a 99.5% decline from its 2023 high. The sell-off was exacerbated by a forced liquidation cascade on the Colend lending protocol earlier in the year. It subsequently rebounded roughly 7% on heightened trading volume. What this means: This is bearish in the near-term, reflecting extreme capitulation and weak sentiment. However, the bounce and increased volume suggest some traders see value at these levels. The focus now shifts to CoreDAO's 2026 roadmap, which aims to drive sustainable demand via ecosystem revenue and token buybacks. (CoinMarketCap)

3. Core Scientific Inks Major AI Deal with AMD (2 August 2026)

Overview: Bitcoin miner Core Scientific secured a 15-year, over $14 billion lease agreement with AMD, guaranteeing 530 megawatts of power for AI data centers. This deal doubles Core Scientific's contracted AI capacity and underscores the pivot of mining infrastructure toward high-performance computing. What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for the broader Core ecosystem narrative. While not directly involving the CORE token, it highlights the institutional demand for the kind of secure, scalable infrastructure that blockchain networks like Core provide, potentially improving the sector's overall appeal. (CoinMarketCap)

Conclusion

Core is actively building through protocol upgrades while its token grapples with severe price discovery after a historic crash. The key question is whether its new staking features and promised revenue-driven buybacks can foster enough real demand to counter the overwhelming bearish momentum.

What are people saying about CORE?

TLDR

Core's community is weathering a rough patch, caught between recent exploit fallout and steadfast belief in its Bitcoin DeFi future. Here’s what’s trending:

  1. Recent exploit confusion has amplified selling pressure, casting a bearish shadow.

  2. Long-term bulls are doubling down on the BTCFi narrative and a revenue-driven buyback roadmap.

  3. Despite a brutal price drop, loyal holders frame it as a capitulation event and buying opportunity.

Deep Dive

1. @TradingView: Allbridge Exploit Confusion Weighs on Price bearish

"Although the exploit did not directly involve the Core blockchain or its native CORE token, confusion due to similar branding led to negative sentiment and increased selling pressure." – TradingView (N/A followers · N/A impressions · 2026-07-20 06:46 UTC) View original post What this means: This is bearish for CORE in the short term because negative sentiment from a related exploit is driving sell-offs, despite no direct fault, keeping the token below key moving averages like the 20-day EMA at $0.0249.

2. @BASEGEMSLLC: Roadmap Focuses on Revenue and CORE Buybacks bullish

"The early Core 2026 roadmap centers on a single objective: Drive revenue and buybacks to the CORE token." – @BASEGEMSLLC (2,319 followers · N/A impressions · 2026-05-07 15:46 UTC) View original post What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it signals a shift from inflationary rewards to a sustainable model where ecosystem revenue funds token buybacks, potentially creating a deflationary flywheel for long-term value.

3. @CoreSultan99: Community Holds Faith Through Severe Crash mixed

"Bitcoin $BTC not crash But $CORE crashed... Is $CORE over? Just Hold if you believe and just sell all CORE if you hopeless. Only the faithful survive." – @CoreSultan99 (2,326 followers · N/A impressions · 2026-03-29 10:23 UTC) View original post What this means: This reflects a mixed, bifurcated sentiment where deep conviction meets deep fear, indicating the token's future hinges on whether the current holder base's faith translates into sustained buying pressure during recovery.

Conclusion

The consensus on CORE is mixed, split between near-term bearishness from exploit-driven sentiment and long-term bullish conviction in its Bitcoin-secured DeFi (BTCFi) thesis. The key to watch is the execution of its revenue-driven buyback program and user adoption of flagship products like SatPay, which are central to its promised pivot to sustainable demand.

What is next on CORE’s roadmap?

TLDR

Core's development continues with these key upcoming initiatives:

  1. lstBTC Launch (Imminent) – Converts WBTC into a yield-bearing asset, requiring CORE acquisition and staking

  2. Native Major Stablecoin Integration (2025) – Brings a top stablecoin natively into Core's Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem

  3. Hardware Wallet BTC Staking Access (2025) – Partners with major hardware wallets to enable secure Bitcoin staking

  4. SatPay Expansion & Revenue Buybacks (2026) – Scales the flagship Bitcoin neobank to drive sustainable CORE demand

Deep Dive

1. lstBTC Launch (Imminent)

Overview: lstBTC is a liquid staking token that wraps WBTC (a $14B asset) to add yield. The protocol is designed so that each time BTC or WBBT is converted into lstBTC, CORE tokens are automatically acquired and staked (Core DAO). This creates a direct utility link between Bitcoin-based activity and CORE token demand.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it establishes a new, automated demand sink tied to Bitcoin's massive value. It could increase staking participation and reduce sell pressure. The risk is that adoption depends on users embracing this new yield product in a competitive DeFi landscape.

2. Native Major Stablecoin Integration (2025)

Overview: Core plans to integrate one of the world's largest stablecoins natively into its ecosystem, not as a wrapped asset. This was highlighted as a key H2 2025 milestone (Core DAO). A native stablecoin (potentially AUSD, as mentioned in Core Insider #6) would significantly improve liquidity and user experience for DeFi on Core.

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because deep, native stablecoin liquidity is essential for a thriving DeFi ecosystem. It could attract more developers and users, increasing transaction volume and gas fee revenue. The timeline depends on successful partnership finalization and technical integration.

3. Hardware Wallet BTC Staking Access (2025)

Overview: Core is partnering with a major hardware wallet provider to enable Bitcoin staking directly from cold storage. Given that an estimated 25% of all BTC is held in hardware wallets, this integration aims to tap into a vast, security-conscious user base (Core DAO).

What this means: This is bullish for CORE because it dramatically lowers the barrier and perceived risk for Bitcoin holders to participate in Core's staking ecosystem. It could significantly increase the amount of Bitcoin hash power securing the network. Success hinges on seamless UX and the security assurances of the partnership.

4. SatPay Expansion & Revenue Buybacks (2026)

Overview: SatPay, Core's flagship Bitcoin neobank, entered early beta access in March 2026. The 2026 roadmap centers on shifting from inflationary token emissions to a sustainable model where revenue from Bitcoin DeFi activity (via SatPay and other products) funds systematic CORE token buybacks (CoinMarketCap).

What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for CORE. It addresses long-term tokenomics sustainability by replacing sell pressure from emissions with buy pressure from revenue. However, the bullish thesis depends entirely on SatPay achieving substantial user adoption and generating meaningful ecosystem revenue, which is still unproven.

Conclusion

Core's roadmap is strategically pivoting from foundational infrastructure to ecosystem growth and sustainable tokenomics, with key initiatives targeting Bitcoin's massive capital. Will the shift to revenue-driven buybacks and flagship products like SatPay be enough to reverse CORE's prolonged downtrend and establish a new utility floor?

CMC AI can make mistakes. Not financial advice.