Ethereum Begins Major Shift to ZK-Proofs for 10,000 TPS Scaling in 2026

TLDR

• Ethereum’s move to ZK-proofs in 2026 aims for 10,000 TPS and improved scalability.
• 10% of Ethereum validators are expected to validate ZK-proofs by mid-2026.
• Ethereum’s ZK rollout will allow low-spec devices to participate in validation.
• Ethereum’s ZK-sync and Glamsterdam upgrades will support scaling and interoperability.

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In 2026, Ethereum is set to revolutionize blockchain scalability by transitioning to zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs. This move will allow the network to scale to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), drastically improving efficiency. By shifting from transaction re-execution to simple proof validation, Ethereum will lower hardware requirements for validators, making it more decentralized. This groundbreaking change, akin to the 2022 Merge, will drive Ethereum’s exponential growth and enhance interoperability.

Ethereum’s Shift to ZK-Proofs in 2026: A New Era of Scaling

Ethereum is poised for significant transformation in 2026 as it shifts to a new model for scaling. The network will begin processing tiny zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs instead of re-executing transactions. This change is expected to unlock immediate scalability for Ethereum, targeting 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), and reducing the hardware requirements for validators. The transition to ZK-proofs will be as monumental as Ethereum’s 2022 Merge from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake.

The core idea behind this shift is that validators will no longer need to re-execute every transaction. Instead, they will check ZK-proofs, mathematical proofs that validate the correctness of transactions without the need for execution. This method significantly lowers computational demands, making the network more scalable and decentralized.

The Glamsterdam Upgrade and Lean Execution Phase

A key component of this transition is the Glamsterdam upgrade. This upgrade will remove penalties for delayed execution, which have historically discouraged validators from validating ZK-proofs. With the changes in place, validators will have more time to attest to blocks, giving them more flexibility and increasing the likelihood that 10% of Ethereum validators will switch to validating ZK-proofs in 2026.

According to Ethereum researcher Justin Drake, the validators most likely to make the switch are those operating lower-spec home systems. This shift will help improve scalability, as lower-spec devices will now be able to participate in the validation process.

Gary Schulte, a senior staff blockchain protocol engineer on the Besu client, explains that the new system will allow most of the heavy work to be done by block builders and ZK-provers, freeing up validators to perform simpler checks. This dynamic will create a more efficient system capable of supporting Ethereum’s higher transaction throughput.

Phase 1 of the ZK Rollout: 10% Validators Expected to Participate

In 2026, Ethereum enters the first phase of its ZK-proofs rollout. During this phase, approximately 10% of validators are expected to participate in validating ZK-proofs, which will play a key role in scaling the network.

Currently, validators are required to re-execute all transactions, a process that is becoming increasingly resource-intensive. With the shift to ZK-proofs, the system will allow for lighter validation, lowering the overall resource demands and making Ethereum more accessible to a wider range of participants.

The Ethereum network can currently handle only around 30 transactions per second, but this new shift will enable the network to scale toward a much higher throughput. Phase 1 will also enable Ethereum to increase the gas limit, as the heavier lifting will be performed by more capable infrastructure operated by block builders.

ZK-Sync and Interoperability: A Key Benefit for Layer 2 Solutions

Layer 2 solutions like ZK-sync are also benefiting from this transition. ZK-sync’s Atlas upgrade will use ZK-proofs to allow L2s to tap Ethereum’s liquidity instantly, while inheriting the security of Ethereum’s Layer 1. The Atlas upgrade aims to solve the issue of fragmented liquidity across multiple Layer 2 ecosystems, enabling faster and more efficient transactions.

With Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystems becoming more interconnected, the interoperability between L1 and L2 will improve. The Ethereum Interoperability Layer (EIL) will further unify siloed ecosystems, ensuring that funds move seamlessly across different platforms. This enhanced interoperability will pave the way for more efficient decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

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