Pi Network Deploys RPC Server as Part of Its Testnet Upgrade

TLDR

• Pi Network has introduced a functional RPC server on its Testnet, designed to facilitate the simulation and testing of smart contracts.
• The Core Team has updated the protocol to version 20.2 and intends to roll out version 21 in the near future.
• Developers are now able to link decentralized apps and wallets directly to the network via the RPC interface.
• This upgrade enables the testing of NFT platforms, escrow services, and subscription-oriented applications.
• The PI token is currently trading below $0.18 following a sharp rejection at the $0.30 level in mid-March.

(SeaPRwire) –   Pi Network has moved forward with its blockchain roadmap by introducing a new testing tool for smart contracts. The Core Team has verified that the Testnet now hosts a functional RPC server. At the same time, the PI token is trading below $0.18 with minimal daily fluctuations.

Pi Network Upgrades Its Testnet by Adding an RPC Server

Pi Network updated its protocol to version 20.2, following the release of versions 19.6 and 19.9 earlier in the year. The team mentioned that version 21 will be released shortly as development progresses. This update gets the network ready for smart contract capabilities and wider access for developers.

Pi Testnet now has an RPC server.

This is a major step toward Smart Contracts being simulated, tested, and deployed. pic.twitter.com/xIjAHSgn0n

— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) April 1, 2026

The Core Team announced that the Testnet now runs a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) server. They characterized this as a “major step toward Smart Contracts being simulated, tested, and deployed.” RPC servers enable decentralized applications and wallets to connect directly to blockchain nodes.

Developers can now check token balances and transaction histories using the new interface. They can also send transactions that the node processes instantly. As a result, the network can support testing setups for NFTs, escrow tools, and subscription-based systems.

The team shared this update shortly after celebrating Pi Day on March 14. At that event, they outlined protocol changes and the second round of Mainnet migrations. However, community discussions are still ongoing about migration progress and whether the network is ready.

This upgrade lays the groundwork for decentralized application development. It also enables automated blockchain processes via programmable smart contracts. Because of this, developers can start testing structured contract logic within the Testnet environment.

PI Token Price Performance and Unlock Timeline

The PI token is still under trading pressure after a strong rejection at $0.30 in mid-March. This drop came after a listing on Kraken that caused short-term price swings. Since then, the token has had trouble regaining its upward momentum.

In the last 24 hours, PI has increased by less than 1%. As of this writing, the token is still below $0.18. On the other hand, several mid-cap altcoins saw larger percentage gains during the same time frame.

Token unlock data indicates that over 10 million PI will enter circulation on multiple days. These releases could boost the short-term supply in the market. However, the schedule for the remainder of April shows lower daily unlock volumes.

On some days later this month, the number of unlocked tokens will fall below 5 million. This change slows down the immediate rate of new supply entering the market. Market players are continuing to keep a close eye on these numbers.

The Core Team has not issued any new statements related to price. Instead, they are continuing to focus on infrastructure updates and development milestones. The RPC server is still the most recent confirmed step in their smart contract rollout strategy.