Ethereum Postpones Glamsterdam Testnet Activation After Security Review

Ethereum developers have delayed the planned Glamsterdam upgrade on the Hoodi testnet after researchers discovered potential issues that could affect smart contract execution.

The Ethereum Foundation scrapped the activation scheduled for October 26, 2026, with no new date announced. The delay also leaves the upgrade’s mainnet launch timeline unresolved.

Hoodi Testing Delayed as Developers Investigate Risks

A December mainnet release had been discussed as a possibility, but developers have not confirmed that schedule. The next activation on Hoodi will depend on how quickly the outstanding security concerns can be investigated and addressed.

The postponement also puts a planned increase in the testnet’s gas limit to 200 million on hold while developers work through the technical issues.

Proposed Gas Changes Could Affect Existing Contracts

The concerns involve EIP-8037, which proposes changes to gas accounting for operations that create blockchain state.

ChainSecurity researchers identified scenarios in which smart contracts could have access to a different amount of gas than they anticipate. These differences could affect error handling and failed operations, potentially causing unexpected contract behavior.

Developers must assess the implications and determine whether adjustments are needed before restarting the test.

Glamsterdam Development Continues

The delay does not mean Glamsterdam has been canceled. The upgrade remains on Ethereum’s roadmap and includes enshrined proposer-builder separation and block-level access lists.

The features are intended to improve Ethereum’s underlying transaction and block-processing systems. However, developers must resolve the reported issues and complete further testing before deciding on a mainnet activation date.

The next milestones include addressing the EIP-8037 concerns, rescheduling Hoodi testing and clarifying the broader rollout plan.

ETH Stays Below $2,400

Ether traded between roughly $2,370 and $2,415, down about 0.5%.

A move above $2,415 could signal stronger short-term momentum, while a decline below $2,370 may expose the price to further selling.

The postponement introduces uncertainty around Glamsterdam’s timing, but developers’ immediate priority is ensuring the upgrade can proceed without compromising smart contract behavior.