Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Set to Scale to 10,000 TPS by 2026 With Glamsterdam Fork

Ethereum is set to undergo a major transformation in 2026 as it prepares to scale its network significantly. The network is expected to implement the Glamsterdam fork, which will enhance parallel processing capabilities and increase the gas limit from 60 million to 200 million. This change will allow Ethereum to handle more transactions efficiently.

A significant portion of validators will transition from re-executing transactions to verifying zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, a development that could put Ethereum Layer 1 on a path to scale to over 10,000 transactions per second (TPS). This transition is a key milestone in Ethereum's roadmap to improve scalability and transaction throughput.

Data blocks are expected to expand, potentially reaching up to 72 or more per block, which will enhance Layer 2s' ability to process transactions at a higher rate. The growth in data capacity will support the scalability of the Ethereum network and make it more efficient for users and developers.

Ethereum's Glamsterdam Fork and Scaling

The Glamsterdam fork is a pivotal upgrade that will introduce block access lists and enshrined proposer builder separation, among other changes. These updates will enable perfect parallel processing, effectively transforming Ethereum's single-lane execution model into a multi-lane system. This will significantly boost throughput and reduce congestion on the network .

One of the headline features of the fork is the Block Access Lists (EIP-7928), which will map transactions more efficiently. This will allow multiple transactions to be processed simultaneously, reducing the time it takes for each block to be validated and increasing the overall speed of the network .

The implementation of the Glamsterdam fork is expected to be finalized in mid-2026. Ethereum developers are currently working to finalize which Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) will be included in the upgrade. These updates are crucial for setting the foundation for the transition to ZK technology, which is expected to further enhance scalability in the future .

Layer 2s and Interoperability

The scalability improvements from the Glamsterdam fork will also benefit Ethereum Layer 2s (L2s). As data blocks grow, L2s will be able to process hundreds of thousands of transactions per second. This will make Ethereum more attractive for applications that require high throughput, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and gaming .

Layer 2s are also becoming more user-friendly. ZKsync's recent Atlas upgrade, for example, allows users to keep their funds on the mainnet while transacting in the fast execution environment of ZKsync's Elastic Network. This feature addresses a common concern among users about security and accessibility.

A planned Ethereum interoperability layer will further enhance the ecosystem by enabling seamless cross-chain operations between L2s. This will facilitate better communication and coordination among different chains, making it easier for users to move assets and interact with various applications without leaving the Ethereum ecosystem .

Risks to the Outlook

Despite the promising developments, there are risks associated with Ethereum's scaling plans. One of the main challenges is the timeline for achieving the 10,000 TPS target. While the Glamsterdam fork will set the stage for this, hitting the target by 2026 is unlikely. The transition to ZK technology and the implementation of additional upgrades may take longer than expected.

Another risk is the potential for technical challenges during the fork. Implementing such a significant upgrade requires coordination among developers, validators, and node operators. Any issues during the rollout could disrupt the network and delay the anticipated benefits .

Regulatory developments may also impact Ethereum's scaling efforts. As governments around the world continue to develop frameworks for cryptocurrency, there could be new requirements or restrictions that affect the network's operations. For example, Hong Kong regulators are planning to introduce legislation for virtual asset dealers and custodians in 2026, which could influence how Ethereum and other blockchains operate in the region .