Pi’s Struggle: Can Utility Outpace Speculation?

Pi Network's native token, Pi (PI), has faced significant price challenges in 2025, with analysts suggesting that its price may not recover in the short term. As of late August 2025, Pi traded at a historic low of $0.33, and while it has since recovered slightly to hover near $0.34, the token has struggled to regain momentum amid weak trading volumes and mixed market sentiment [1]. Despite this, Pi’s long-term potential remains a topic of debate among analysts and investors, particularly as the project continues to make technological progress and expands its ecosystem [2].

The Pi Network has historically drawn attention due to its unique mining model, which allows users to mine tokens via smartphone apps. At its peak, Pi reached a market capitalization of $11.65 billion, temporarily ranking as the 11th-largest cryptocurrency globally [1]. However, recent performance contrasts sharply with this earlier success. To reach a price of $10, Pi would need to rise over 2,800%, while a $100 target would require an almost 29,000% increase—goals analysts consider highly improbable in the near future. Platforms like CoinCodex project that Pi will remain below $10 even by 2050, due to the token’s high circulating supply and limited demand [1].

Despite the price struggles, the Pi Network has continued to develop its infrastructure and expand its utility. A recent update introduced official Linux node support, broadening participation for developers and reinforcing the network’s decentralized architecture [2]. Additionally, a protocol upgrade from version 19 to 23 is underway, drawing inspiration from Stellar and aiming to improve functionality and regulatory compliance [2]. These upgrades are part of Pi’s broader strategy to enhance its blockchain’s stability and scalability, though their impact on price remains uncertain.

A new development in the Pi ecosystem is the planned launch of a Pi ETP (exchange-traded product) by Valour, which will allow traditional investors to gain exposure to Pi through regulated stock exchanges [1]. This move could help Pi break into broader financial markets and attract new capital. Furthermore, Pi’s listing on Onramp Money has expanded access to Pi across 60+ countries, supporting localized payment methods such as GCash, Maya, and Alipay [5]. Analysts suggest that these steps align with Pi’s controlled distribution model, emphasizing ecosystem utility over speculative trading [5].

Meanwhile, attention in the crypto market has shifted toward emerging altcoins with strong growth narratives. One such coin is Remittix (RTX), a cross-chain DeFi platform focused on real-world payment solutions. RTX has raised over $23.4 million in its presale, with upcoming listings on exchanges like BitMart and LBank, which could significantly boost liquidity [3]. Unlike Pi, which remains primarily speculative, Remittix positions itself as a utility-driven project with features such as real-time crypto-to-fiat conversions and a beta wallet supporting 40+ cryptocurrencies [3]. This focus on tangible use cases has drawn comparisons to established platforms and may signal a shift in investor preferences toward functional altcoins [4].

As the Pi Network continues to focus on infrastructure and compliance, its ability to attract mass adoption remains uncertain. While the project has a large user base of 65 million across 200+ countries, many analysts argue that this alone is insufficient to drive significant price gains [1]. The recent token unlocks in early September have also introduced selling pressure, though these are expected to diminish over time [2]. Ultimately, Pi’s future will depend on its ability to transition from a speculative asset to a functional, widely adopted cryptocurrency—something that will require more than technological upgrades, but also widespread user engagement and real-world use cases.

Source: [1] Can Pi Network Price Hit $100? (https://coinpedia.org/news/can-pi-network-price-hit-100-2/) [2] Pi Network's Latest Update Explained - And Why It's a Big Deal (https://cryptopotato.com/pi-networks-latest-update-explained-and-why-its-a-big-deal/) [3] XRP Dips Below $2.75 as Investors Turn Attention to Remittix's PayFi Potential (https://www.tribuneindia.com/partner-exclusives/xrp-dips-below-2-75-as-investors-turn-attention-to-remittixs-payfi-potential/) [4] Remittix: What Is PayFi? The Newest Crypto Narrative ... (https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=29173) [5] Pi Network Secures Major Listing, Boosting Pi Coin's Adoption (https://coingape.com/pi-network-secures-major-listing-boosting-pi-coins-adoption/)