Solana News Today: Solana Mobile Ships Second-Gen Seeker to 50+ Countries with Built-In Staking and $SOL Rewards

Solana Mobile has begun shipping its second-generation Seeker smartphone to customers in over 50 countries, marking a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to expand the Solana ecosystem through mobile adoption. The device is designed for active on-chain users and includes built-in wallets, token rewards, and native dApp access. A key innovation is the integration of mobile staking, powered by SOL Strategies, which has been designated as the exclusive validator operator for the Seeker phone. This partnership allows users to stake their SOL tokens directly from the device, streamlining the process of securing the Solana network and earning rewards with a single tap.

SOL Strategies, a public company specializing in Solana infrastructure, has a compliant validator network that supports institutional-grade security through ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 1 certifications. The firm emphasized that users will pay zero fees on staking rewards or MEV tips, ensuring maximum returns for active participants in the network. The collaboration follows seven months of development between Solana Mobile and SOL Strategies, with the goal of simplifying the staking experience for on-the-go users.

The Seeker phone features a 6.36-inch AMOLED display, 8 GB RAM, and a Mediatek Dimensity 7300 processor. It includes the Seed Vault, a secure hardware wallet developed by SolFlare, which uses biometric authentication to protect private keys and enhance transaction security. The device is positioned as a lighter, more affordable alternative to the earlier Saga model, priced at $450–$500. With over 150,000 pre-orders from 50 countries, the Seeker aims to attract frequent Solana users seeking a crypto-first mobile experience.

In addition to staking, the Seeker offers a unique Genesis token that is soulbound to the device, providing users with access to exclusive benefits such as airdrops, NFT whitelists, and enhanced dApp engagement. The Solana dApp Store, a central hub for crypto-native applications, currently includes over 100 apps and serves as a platform for developers to reach more than 150,000 high-value users. The integration of the Mobile Wallet Adaptor allows for seamless onboarding and improved user experience.

Despite these advancements, some dApps have yet to fully support the Mobile Wallet Adaptor, limiting the usability of certain applications. However, Solana Mobile has noted that the integration process is relatively straightforward and that adoption is expected to accelerate as the device becomes more widely available. September is anticipated to be a pivotal month for dApp development, with new announcements following the first Solana Mobile Hackathon.

The Seeker phone is also part of a broader strategy to challenge traditional tech platforms by introducing the TEEPIN stack, a framework designed to unify the Solana Mobile ecosystem and govern on-chain verification. The feeless dApp store and secure hardware aim to create a decentralized, community-driven platform that reduces reliance on corporate oversight.

The phone’s broader impact on the Solana ecosystem could be significant, particularly through the $SKR token, which is expected to incentivize both users and developers and support a circular economy centered around decentralized innovation. As more Seeker devices are distributed, the platform’s user base is projected to grow, potentially increasing demand for $SOL and other tokens within the ecosystem.

While the app store is still in its early stages and lacks a large number of quality applications, Solana Mobile has acknowledged these limitations and is actively working to expand dApp support and refine user experience. The company remains focused on fostering a robust and sustainable ecosystem that leverages the strengths of mobile technology and blockchain.

The Seeker phone’s launch has already generated significant interest, with over 150,000 pre-orders reported. As the first wave of devices is delivered, the platform is expected to see a surge in activity, with dApps and developers competing for the attention of the new user base. The combination of hardware innovation, software integration, and economic incentives positions the Seeker as a bold experiment in redefining mobile-first crypto engagement.

Sources:

[1] Solana Mobile (@solanamobile) / X https://x.com/solanamobile

[2] The Protocol: Solana's Seeker Mobile Begins to Ship https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/08/06/the-protocol-solana-s-seeker-mobile-begins-to-ship

[3] Solana Seeker Review: Is It Worth the Hype? https://solanafloor.com/news/solana-seeker-review-worth-the-hype

[4] Solana Mobile Launches Seeker Smartphone, SOL Price ... https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1017007-20250806

[5] Solana's Seeker Phone Fixes Saga's Flaws With Usability ... https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/08/06/solana-s-seeker-phone-fixes-saga-s-flaws-with-usability-upgrade

[8] Solana Mobile begins shipping second-gen Seeker ... https://coinhubexchange.com/solana-mobile-begins-shipping-second-gen-seeker-smartphones-to-customers-in-over-50-countries/