Ethereum News Today: Vitalik Buterin Proposes 10x Ethereum Scalability by 2026

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has unveiled a new proposal aimed at significantly enhancing the network’s speed and scalability by restructuring how block finality is handled. In an August 1 blog post, Buterin suggested decoupling Ethereum’s fork choice mechanism from its finality process, a move that could simplify the protocol and allow for faster block confirmations [3]. Currently, Ethereum’s consensus operates within a slot-based model where both fork choice and finality mechanisms run concurrently, requiring multiple rounds of validator communication and limiting throughput [3].

Under the proposed two-tier system, a smaller group of approximately 256 validators would be tasked with running the LMD GHOST fork choice algorithm in real time, enabling rapid determination of the chain’s head. This would function as a “fast lane” for block selection, while a larger set of validators would handle the slower finality process, determining which blocks become irreversible [3]. This separation could reduce the number of communication rounds per slot from three or four to just two, improving network responsiveness without compromising consensus integrity [3].

Buterin emphasized that this architecture could allow Ethereum to shorten slot times and support a significantly larger validator pool—potentially scaling to a million participants—without requiring complex cryptographic solutions or incurring substantial overhead [3]. The proposed system also offers more flexibility for future upgrades, as finality mechanisms could be updated or replaced without disrupting the core fork choice logic [3].

This initiative aligns with Ethereum’s broader vision for 2026, which aims to scale the network’s performance by up to tenfold. The plan builds on prior upgrades like EIP-4844, implemented in March 2024, which improved transaction efficiency through rollup technologies [3]. Buterin also referenced earlier proposals such as EIP-3074 and EIP-7702, which are expected to further optimize execution and reduce gas costs [2]. The proposed changes are part of Ethereum’s ongoing efforts to address the blockchain trilemma—balancing decentralization, security, and scalability—while maintaining the integrity of its decentralized structure [4].

The timing of the proposal coincides with Ethereum’s tenth anniversary, a milestone highlighted by discussions on its evolution and future potential [6]. The Ethereum Foundation and co-founder Aya Miyaguchi have reaffirmed their commitment to technical development and community-driven progress [6]. These efforts are complemented by advancements in Layer 2 solutions, such as EigenDA and Starknet, which enhance data availability and transaction throughput [7]. Additionally, projects like Linea are expanding Ethereum’s scalability through integrated staking and burning mechanisms, aligning with the network’s long-term security and sustainability goals [10].

The proposal remains in the research phase and is open to community input. If implemented successfully, it could mark a pivotal step toward transforming Ethereum into a more efficient and scalable platform, reinforcing its position as a leading infrastructure for decentralized applications and global finance [3].

Source:

[2] Ethereum turns 10: Here's how its booms and busts ... (https://m.fastbull.com/en/news-detail/ethereum-turns-10-heres-how-its-booms-and-news_6100_0_2025_3_5695_3)

[3] Vitalik Buterin Reveals Plan to Boost Ethereum ETH Scalability by 10x in 2026: Here is How (https://www.facebook.com/groups/30130****2253070/posts/4168958813326780/)

[4] Optimum on X: "Unlocking the Blockchain Trilemma" (https://x.com/get_optimum/status/1950601084671762610)

[6] OKX Salutes ETH's 10th Anniversary: Seven Reasons We ... (https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/27632120895826)

[7] EigenDA Mainnet Launches With 100 MB/s Throughput ... (https://crypto-economy.com/eigenda-mainnet-launches-with-100-mb-s-throughput-surpassing-visa-by-12-8x/)

[10] Linea Airdrop: ETH Staking, Burning, and Ethereum ... (https://www.bitrue.com/blog/linea-airdrop-2025-eth-staking-burning-ethereum-alignment)