The IOTA Foundation has officially announced the highly anticipated Rebased mainnet upgrade, set to go live on May 5, 2025. This pivotal transition marks a major milestone in IOTA’s evolution, shifting from the current Stardust network to a more scalable, secure, and decentralized IOTA network. Unlike previous blockchain upgrades that require complex token migrations, IOTA has designed this transition to be seamless for token holders, ensuring minimal disruption while maximizing long-term network performance.
This upgrade is not just a technical refresh—it's a foundational shift aimed at strengthening IOTA’s position in the distributed ledger technology (DLT) ecosystem. With enhanced infrastructure, improved wallet solutions, and expanded validator participation, the Rebased mainnet lays the groundwork for broader enterprise adoption and decentralized application (dApp) innovation.
Seamless Transition for IOTA Token Holders
One of the most user-friendly aspects of the Rebased mainnet upgrade is that no token migration is required. All existing IOTA token holders will retain full access to their assets without needing to swap, convert, or manually transfer tokens.
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To ensure uninterrupted access post-upgrade, users are strongly encouraged to securely back up their wallet credentials. This includes:
- Private keys
- Recovery phrases (mnemonics)
- Stronghold files
These backups will allow users to import their wallets into the new ecosystem with ease. The IOTA Foundation emphasizes that security remains a top priority—users should never share their recovery information and must store it in a safe, offline environment.
New Wallet Solutions and Enhanced Tools
With the Rebased mainnet launch, IOTA is retiring the legacy Firefly desktop wallet in favor of a modern browser extension wallet, available at launch. This new wallet offers improved speed, usability, and integration with dApps across the IOTA EVM ecosystem.
Additionally, the IOTA Wallet Dashboard application will provide advanced features for managing tokens, tracking delegations, and monitoring network activity—all from a single interface.
For hardware wallet users, support will continue for Ledger devices (excluding the Ledger Nano S), provided users install the updated IOTA Ledger App before the upgrade. This ensures cold storage remains secure and accessible in the new environment.
Exchange Readiness and Network Coordination
Cryptocurrency exchanges supporting IOTA will temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals during the transition window to maintain ledger integrity. However, trading will remain active throughout the upgrade process, minimizing market impact.
Once the new network stabilizes, services are expected to resume within hours. The entire migration is coordinated between the IOTA Foundation and a council of 12 trusted validators, ensuring a transparent, auditable, and consensus-driven process.
This collaborative approach enhances trust and reduces the risk of forks or inconsistencies during the cutover phase.
The Genesis Ceremony: Building a New Network Foundation
The Rebased mainnet activation includes a formal genesis ceremony, a critical step in establishing the integrity of the new network. This multi-phase process involves:
- Shutting down the Stardust mainnet
- Taking a final ledger snapshot of all account balances
- Creating a genesis checkpoint that serves as the root of trust for the new chain
Validators will cryptographically sign each artifact during this process, confirming authenticity and agreement across the network. Only after all signatures are verified will the new network officially launch.
This structured approach ensures that every transaction history and token balance is accurately carried forward—without duplication or loss.
Post-Upgrade Ecosystem: EVM, Staking, and Decentralization
Once live, the IOTA EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) will be fully operational, enabling developers and users to interact with smart contracts using familiar tools like MetaMask and the new IOTA EVM Bridge Web App. This bridge allows effortless asset transfers between networks, fostering greater interoperability.
The initial validator set will consist of 13 nodes, with plans to scale up to 150 validators over the following months. To promote decentralization, token holders are encouraged to participate in delegation staking, allowing them to earn rewards while securing the network.
Staking not only incentivizes long-term holding but also strengthens consensus resilience by distributing validation power across a broader base.
Infrastructure Support and Developer Empowerment
From day one, essential infrastructure components—including RPC endpoints, APIs, and developer documentation—will be publicly available. These resources empower developers to immediately begin building or migrating dApps to the upgraded network.
The IOTA Foundation is actively engaging the community through:
- Regular updates on Discord
- Live discussions in X Spaces
- Technical deep dives and AMAs
These initiatives ensure transparency and give stakeholders a voice in shaping the future of the ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to do anything with my IOTA tokens before the upgrade?
A: No token migration is required. Just ensure your wallet recovery details (seed phrase or stronghold file) are securely backed up.
Q: Will trading be affected during the upgrade?
A: Trading will continue on exchanges, though deposits and withdrawals may be paused temporarily during the transition.
Q: Can I still use my Ledger device after the upgrade?
A: Yes, if you have a Ledger Nano X or Ledger Stax, you can continue using it after installing the updated IOTA Ledger App.
Q: What happens to my staked IOTA tokens?
A: Staked positions will carry over seamlessly. You can continue earning rewards once the new network is live.
Q: Is there a new token symbol or contract address?
A: No. The IOTA token remains unchanged—same symbol, same total supply.
Q: How can developers start building on the Rebased mainnet?
A: Developers can access APIs, SDKs, and documentation via the official IOTA developer portal immediately after launch.
The Rebased mainnet upgrade represents a transformative moment for IOTA—one that combines technical innovation with user-centric design. By eliminating friction for holders, enhancing developer tools, and promoting decentralization through staking, IOTA is positioning itself as a leader in scalable, enterprise-ready DLT solutions.
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