Deep Dive
1. Hayabusa Mainnet Consensus Overhaul (December 2025)
Overview: This was a hard fork that fundamentally changed how the VeChainThor network is secured and governed. It moved the blockchain from a permissioned Proof-of-Authority system to a public, permissionless Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) model.
The upgrade, activated at block height 23,414,400, replaced the previous 101 approved authority nodes. Now, any user with 25 million VET can become a validator, and all other holders can delegate their stake to validators through the StarGate platform. This shift dramatically increases decentralization and community participation. A key technical change was overhauling VTHO tokenomics: VTHO generation now depends solely on staked VET, ending passive minting and linking supply directly to network activity, with 100% of base transaction fees burned.
What this means: This is bullish for VET because it makes the network more secure, decentralized, and economically sustainable. For users, it means earning rewards is now tied to active staking, which can offer higher yields, while the new fee-burning mechanism could make the ecosystem's gas token more valuable over time.
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2. StarGate Staking Dashboard Upgrade (January 2026)
Overview: Following the Hayabusa upgrade, the team released StarGate 2.0, a complete redesign of the staking dashboard at app.stargate.vechain.org. This update focused on improving the user experience for delegators.
The new platform introduces Delegator NFTs, which represent individual staking positions, making it easy to track, transfer, or unstake by simply burning the NFT. It lowers the staking entry barrier to 10,000 VET and provides clear data on total VET staked, VTHO distributed, and validator APYs. The dashboard also integrates tools for developers, supporting EVM-compatible tooling.
What this means: This is bullish for VET because it simplifies and democratizes staking, likely encouraging more users to participate and lock up their tokens. A better user experience reduces friction for both retail and institutional participants, supporting network security and long-term holder commitment.
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3. VeWorld Super App UI/UX Refresh (October 2025)
Overview: VeChain's native wallet and "Super App," VeWorld, received a significant interface update to version 2.4.6. This was a front-end enhancement aimed at improving daily usability and accessibility.
The update refined the homepage into a future balance hub, introduced a modern UI with light and dark modes, and added mini-charts for tokens. It also integrated quick staking actions and better support for the VeBetterDAO ecosystem directly within the wallet interface, streamlining user interaction with the broader VeChain ecosystem.
What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for VET because a smoother, more intuitive wallet experience helps retain existing users and attract new ones. While it doesn't change the core protocol, it strengthens the foundational tool that most users interact with, supporting broader adoption of VeChain's applications.
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Conclusion
VeChain's recent codebase evolution is strategically focused on decentralizing network control, incentivizing long-term participation through refined staking, and polishing user-facing tools. This trajectory points toward a more mature, accessible, and economically robust blockchain platform. How will these foundational upgrades influence the development of real-world applications on VeChainThor in 2026?