1INCH Network Pauses New Testnet Launches to Focus on Protocol Stability

The 1INCH Network, a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator, has temporarily paused new testnet launches in August 2025, shifting its strategic focus toward protocol advancements and stability measures. The decision, announced by co-founders Sergej Kunz and Anton Bukov, reflects a commitment to refining the platform’s architecture and optimizing user experience ahead of broader deployment [1]. No major testnet activity has been reported during this period, with ongoing efforts concentrated on Ethereum and existing EVM-compatible chains [2].

This strategic pause aligns with the team’s emphasis on long-term security and efficiency, as well as its broader vision to strengthen the DeFi ecosystem through robust infrastructure development. Kunz and Bukov remain actively engaged in technical improvements, prioritizing integration and user-centric enhancements [2]. The team clarified that the halt is not due to critical issues but rather a proactive step to address inefficiencies prior to wider testing, reinforcing a cautious approach in a rapidly evolving market [1].

The 1INCH token has maintained a stable market capitalization of approximately $296 million despite the absence of new testnet activity. Continuous GitHub development efforts and ongoing liquidity mining programs have helped preserve system resilience and user engagement. Experts suggest that past testnet experiments, such as those from 2020–2022, had minimal short-term price impact without significant mainnet rewards, reinforcing the importance of sustained infrastructure development over immediate testnet outputs [2].

According to Kunz, the network remains focused on building the most efficient DEX aggregator, emphasizing its role in supplying DeFi with essential liquidity and routing solutions. Analysts remain cautious, noting that the market will likely respond more strongly once testnet testing resumes and real-world feedback becomes available. For now, attention remains on the outcomes of ongoing development efforts and the eventual deployment of updated features [2].

The 1inch team has not provided a specific timeline for resuming testnet launches, underscoring the fluid nature of blockchain development cycles. The broader DeFi landscape continues to evolve, with many projects adopting similar strategies to ensure stability and security before major upgrades. This pause positions the 1INCH Network as a project prioritizing thorough testing and stakeholder alignment, in line with industry best practices [1].

Source: [1] Blockchain – https://blockchain.news/Profile/Terrill-Dicki

[2] CoinMarketCap – https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68a1ab9a45d9bd33157cd160/