Deep Dive
1. Horizon Mainnet Launch (11 December 2025)
Overview: This major protocol upgrade, now live on mainnet, re-architects The Graph's foundation. It transitions the network from solely powering Subgraphs to a modular, multi-service data layer where new products like real-time streams and pre-indexed APIs can be built.
The "Horizon" upgrade validates a new blockchain architecture that allows Subgraphs, Substreams, and the Token API to operate on a single protocol secured by $GRT. This foundational shift doesn't change existing Subgraph functionality but unlocks future scalability and new service integration.
What this means: This is bullish for GRT because it significantly expands the protocol's potential use cases and revenue streams beyond traditional indexing. It future-proofs the network by allowing it to host a wider ecosystem of data tools, which could drive greater demand for the GRT token as more services are built and consumed.
(The Graph)
2. Subgraph Dev Mode & New Features (Q3 2025)
Overview: This suite of developer tools, highlighted in the Q3 2025 update, dramatically improves the subgraph creation experience. The flagship is "Subgraph Dev Mode," a local-first Graph Node runner that eliminates the need for IPFS deployments, enabling instant code changes and testing.
The update also introduced Subgraph Composition (reusing subgraphs like modules), Aggregations (pre-computed hourly/daily metrics), and Declarative eth_calls (parallel contract reads). These are complemented by "Foundational Stores" on Ethereum and Solana to reduce indexing cost and time.
What this means: This is bullish for GRT because it makes building on The Graph faster, cheaper, and easier. A better developer experience attracts more builders, leading to more subgraphs, increased query volume, and greater utility for the GRT token that powers the network.
(The Graph)
3. Token API Expansion to Solana (July 2025)
Overview: The fourth beta release of The Graph's Token API added comprehensive support for the Solana ecosystem. This included endpoints for SPL token transfers, swap events, and token account balances, with plans to quickly follow with holder balances.
The release also expanded support for Avalanche (AVAX) tokens and NFTs and integrated OHLC price data from Uniswap V4. These updates provide developers with a standardized, enterprise-grade API for multi-chain token data without managing complex infrastructure.
What this means: This is bullish for GRT because it directly taps into the large Solana developer community, increasing The Graph's adoption and utility. By offering reliable, multi-chain data in one place, it positions GRT as essential infrastructure for building cross-chain applications like wallets and dashboards.
(The Graph)
Conclusion
The Graph's latest codebase updates reveal a strategic pivot from a specialized indexing protocol to a versatile, modular data layer, broadening its market reach and utility. How will the integration of AI-ready endpoints and real-time streaming reshape demand for decentralized data in the coming year?