What could affect WAVES’s future price?

Question

Accepted Answer

## TLDR
WAVES faces a tug-of-war between technical recovery and persistent market headwinds, leaning neutral with high volatility risk.

1. **Network Upgrade & Exchange Support** – An imminent mainnet upgrade on September 13, 2026, supported by HTX, could drive near-term volatility and test network stability.
2. **AI & Ecosystem Development** – Recent launches of AI tools and $10M funding for its L2, Units Network, aim to boost utility and attract developers, offering a medium-term catalyst.
3. **Exchange Liquidity & Security** – Continued delistings (e.g., Binance 2024, Toobit 2026) reduce access, while past security breaches could erode long-term trust.

## Deep Dive
### 1. Upcoming Network Upgrade (Mixed Impact)
**Overview:** The WAVES network is scheduled for an upgrade at block height 5,400,000, approximately 21:40 UTC on September 13, 2026. Major exchange HTX will suspend deposits beforehand, managing the technical transition for users. This is a confirmed, immediate-term event that tests the protocol's ability to deliver enhancements smoothly.

**What this means:** A successful upgrade could be seen as a positive technical milestone, potentially renewing developer confidence. However, any hiccups or delays could trigger sell-offs, as the token's history includes a major delisting linked to network stability concerns. The price reaction will likely hinge on flawless execution.

### 2. AI Integration & L2 Growth (Bullish Impact)
**Overview:** Throughout 2025, Waves launched an AI Launchpad and Liquidity Manager and integrated AI agents like Pupas. Its EVM-compatible Layer-2, Units Network, secured a $10 million funding round led by Nimbus Capital ([CoinMarketCap](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6854966aa8af08388c16bfde)). These developments aim to lower barriers for DeFi builders and improve capital efficiency.

**What this means:** If these tools gain meaningful adoption, they could increase on-chain activity and demand for WAVES tokens for fees and staking. The institutional backing for Units Network adds credibility. This represents a tangible medium-term growth narrative, though its price impact depends on user metrics outpacing the token's uncapped supply.

### 3. Exchange Listings & Security Sentiment (Bearish Impact)
**Overview:** Liquidity access has been damaged. Binance delisted WAVES in June 2024, causing a 42% price crash ([CCN](https://www.ccn.com/analysis/crypto/waves-price-crashes-binance-delisting/)). Toobit followed with a permanent delisting in June 2026. Conversely, a new listing on Biconomy occurred in late 2025. Separately, a North Korean developer hijacked dormant Waves wallet repositories in June 2025 ([CryptoSlate](https://cryptoslate.com/north-korean-dev-hijacks-dormant-waves-repositories-slips-credential-stealing-code-in-wallet-updates/)).

**What this means:** Reduced exchange availability limits buying avenues and can suppress liquidity, making prices more volatile to modest sell orders. The security incident, while addressed, lingers as a reputational risk that could deter cautious institutional capital. These factors create a persistent overhang that may cap significant rallies.

## Conclusion
WAVES's path hinges on its ecosystem execution countering legacy liquidity and trust issues. For a holder, this means watching for sustained adoption of new AI tools while being wary of thin market conditions.  
Will the upcoming network upgrade be the confidence boost needed to challenge the $0.314 resistance?

Waves (WAVES) Price Prediction

Deep Dive

1. Upcoming Network Upgrade (Mixed Impact)

2. AI Integration & L2 Growth (Bullish Impact)

3. Exchange Listings & Security Sentiment (Bearish Impact)

Conclusion

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