Latest Pocket Network (POKT) News Update

Deep Dive

1. Phoenix v2 Protocol Upgrade (10 February 2026)

Overview: This is a confirmed, upcoming mainnet upgrade. Exchanges like Upbit temporarily suspended POKT deposits and withdrawals starting 10 February 2026 to integrate it (Upbit). The upgrade aims to improve node operator economics, increase network throughput (relay capacity), and strengthen security through new cryptographic signatures and validation mechanisms.

What this means: This is bullish for POKT because successful upgrades typically improve network utility and efficiency, potentially attracting more node operators and application demand. A key risk is execution; any technical issues during the fork could temporarily disrupt network services and affect sentiment.

2. Post-Shannon Development (Next 12 Months)

Overview: Following the landmark Shannon upgrade in June 2025, the engineering roadmap for the next year focuses on three pillars (Pocket Network Docs). First, building enterprise-ready infrastructure, including light clients and optional on-chain trust mechanisms. Second, creating a universal Web3 API infrastructure with on-chain service discovery and dynamic pricing. Third, improving tooling and distribution via better SDKs and gateway setups.

What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for POKT as it represents execution on a long-term vision. Successfully expanding beyond blockchain RPC to a universal data fabric for AI and Web2 APIs could massively increase POKT's utility and demand. However, these are complex developments without fixed public dates, so timelines may shift.

Conclusion

POKT's roadmap is strategically advancing its core thesis: evolving from a decentralized blockchain RPC provider into a universal, permissionless data fabric. The immediate focus is consolidating the network with the Phoenix v2 upgrade, while the next year will be critical for proving its expanded use cases. How quickly can developer adoption grow for non-blockchain data relays like AI and oracles?

Deep Dive

1. Programmable Deflation Goes Live (13 February 2026)

Overview: Pocket Network has activated what it calls Web3's first programmable deflation mechanism through its Shannon v1.31 network upgrade. The change implements governance proposal PIP-41, embedding a base 2.5% deflation rate directly into the protocol's mint-and-burn cycle. This means for every transaction, 2.5% fewer POKT tokens are issued than are burned, creating continuous, predictable supply reduction. The rate can be adjusted per session via decentralized voting, offering flexible, code-free economic management. What this means: This is structurally bullish for POKT because it directly ties token scarcity to network usage, potentially creating a sustainable value accrual model. The deflation is automatic and governed by the DAO, which could attract long-term holders seeking assets with built-in supply constraints. (BitcoinWorld)

2. Upbit Halts Services for Upgrade (9 February 2026)

Overview: Leading South Korean exchange Upbit announced a temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for POKT, effective 10 February 2026. The pause is to facilitate the integration of Pocket Network's 'Phoenix v2' protocol upgrade, which aims to enhance node economics, throughput, and security. Trading on KRW and BTC pairs continues unaffected during the maintenance. What this means: This is a neutral-to-positive operational update, reflecting standard exchange procedure for major network upgrades. It indicates continued institutional support and technical progress for the network, though it temporarily limits liquidity movement for traders on that platform. (BitcoinWorld)

Conclusion

Pocket Network is aggressively evolving its core protocol, with a landmark deflationary tokenomics shift and steady infrastructure maturation through exchange-backed upgrades. Will the new programmable deflation model become a sustainable standard for other Web3 economies?

Deep Dive

1. @Crypto_Obrian: Shannon Upgrade as a Web3 Backbone Opportunity bullish

"With the Shannon Upgrade, Pocket evolves into the full-stack, decentralized backbone for Web3 and AI... This network has handled over 1 trillion data requests across 60+ chains." – @Crypto_Obrian (45.2K followers · 10 November 2025 15:36 UTC) View original post What this means: This is bullish for POKT because it frames the protocol as a critical, high-utility infrastructure layer with proven adoption, which could attract more developers and long-term investment.

2. @Web3WildWatch: POKT Leads Short-Term Price Gainers bullish

"🚀🟢 Top 5 Crypto Performers in the Last 4 Hours : 1. Pocket Network $POKT - $0.0189 (+27.67%)" – @Web3WildWatch (242 followers · 9 February 2026 11:42 AM UTC) View original post What this means: This is bullish for POKT as it signals strong, immediate trader interest and momentum, often a precursor to increased visibility and liquidity, though such moves can be volatile.

3. @POKTnetwork: Node Operation as Active Contribution neutral

"Running a Pocket Network node isn’t just passive income 🤝 It’s active alignment with a censorship-resistant, globally permissionless data layer." – @POKTnetwork (45.0K followers · 31 July 2025 13:00 UTC) View original post What this means: This is neutral for POKT as it's core project messaging, but it reinforces the utility and ideological appeal of the token, aiming to grow the network's supply-side and community.

Conclusion

The consensus on POKT is bullish, centered on its evolution into a "universal data fabric" and its recent market momentum. The narrative successfully blends ideological appeal (decentralization, censorship resistance) with tangible utility and trader interest. Watch for network relay volume following the recent 'Phoenix v2' upgrade and any resumption of services on Upbit to gauge sustained demand.

Deep Dive

1. Deflationary Tokenomics via v1.31 (Jan 2026)

Overview: PIP-41 introduced a deflationary mechanism where 100% of relay fees are burned, but only 97.5% are re-minted as node rewards. This creates a net 2.5% supply reduction per transaction cycle, directly tying token scarcity to network usage.
What this means: This is bullish for POKT because it enhances token value through algorithmic scarcity while maintaining developer fee structures. It incentivizes long-term holding by aligning tokenholder value with network utility. (Source)

2. Shannon Protocol Completion (Nov 2025)

Overview: The Shannon upgrade transformed Pocket into a universal data fabric, enabling permissionless access to any open data source (AI models, Web2 APIs, oracles) beyond blockchain RPCs. It removed gateway approval barriers and automated token mint/burn mechanics.
What this means: This is bullish for POKT because it expands use cases beyond Web3, improves infrastructure scalability, and attracts new demand from AI/data applications. Users benefit from censorship-resistant data access without centralized gatekeepers. (Source)

Conclusion

Pocket Network's codebase now prioritizes sustainable tokenomics and open data interoperability, positioning it as a censorship-resistant backbone for Web3 and AI infrastructure. What emerging data sources could next leverage Pocket's decentralized relay network?