IoTeX, the Layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for real-world decentralized applications, has successfully activated its highly anticipated v2.2 hard fork at block height 36,893,881 on June 19. This marks a transformative leap in the evolution of decentralized infrastructure by delivering sub-three-second transaction finality—tailored for latency-sensitive use cases like on-chain AI agents, real-time DePIN networks, and event-driven DeFi.
Finality in 2.5 Seconds: Built for the Physical World
At the core of the upgrade is a dramatic reduction in block time from 5 seconds to 2.5 seconds, enabling every transaction to finalize in just 2.5 seconds. This advancement transforms the user experience for applications where every millisecond matters. AI agents can now trigger autonomous actions almost instantly, DePIN apps can synchronize with real-world events in real time, and DeFi users can settle trades with near-instant responsiveness.
This low-latency experience, typically reserved for centralized platforms or Layer 2 rollups, is now available directly on a decentralized, EVM-compatible Layer 1—without compromise.
To preserve stability while doubling the block frequency, IoTeX conservatively halved the gas per block. This cautious approach is part of a broader vision to scale to 2,000 transactions per second (TPS) in a future upgrade, without jeopardizing network security.
IIP-42: Optimistic Consensus for the Next Era
The breakthrough is powered by deep enhancements to IoTeX’s Roll-DPoS consensus, particularly through a new mechanism introduced via IIP‑42: Optimistic Block Minting. This approach allows block proposers to prepare the next block while the current round is still being finalized, significantly boosting throughput and resilience.
- Proactive Block Preparation: As soon as one block is proposed, the next proposer starts preparing the following block in parallel.
- Fast Fallback Logic: If a round fails, consensus immediately resets within 0.8 seconds—no waiting, no lag.
- Strict Time-Bound Minting: Proposers are held to a rigorous 0.8-second deadline to maintain momentum and minimize delays.
These innovations ensure the network operates smoothly under high load while preserving decentralization.
New Staking (v3): Smarter, More Flexible
Alongside consensus improvements, IoTeX has introduced a timestamp-based staking contract (v3), replacing legacy block-based staking to improve accuracy, adaptability, and user experience. The benefits include:
- Precise lock durations unaffected by protocol upgrades
- Improved UX through intuitive time-based timelines
- Future compatibility with further block time reductions
Users are strongly encouraged to migrate from v2 to v3 staking. Legacy v1 contracts continue to be supported with adjusted options like a new 91-day bucket to match original lock durations.
System-Wide Upgrades and Security Enhancements
IoTeX v2.2 also includes foundational upgrades across the stack:
- Updated Go runtime and dependency libraries
- Enhanced P2P rate limiting for improved security
- Smart contract patches based on real-world edge cases
- Formal audits for all new contract logic
- Real-time monitoring, alerting, and rollback tools
These updates ensure performance and reliability at scale while preparing for future throughput expansion.
Why It Matters
With this upgrade, IoTeX becomes the first decentralized Layer 1 to deliver sub-three-second finality without reliance on Layer 2 or centralized sequencers. The implications are profound:
- AI agents can make real-time decisions on-chain
- DePIN networks can synchronize blockchain with physical-world sensors and devices
- DeFi platforms can offer ultra-responsive trading and risk management
- Consumer dApps can now rival Web2-level performance
All of this is achieved with no compromise to decentralization or network security—an industry milestone.
Looking Ahead: Built for 2,000 TPS and Beyond
IoTeX’s roadmap remains focused on security-first scaling. The infrastructure is already prepared to support up to 2,000 TPS, with formal activation pending further security testing. Future upgrades will explore sub-second finality, leveraging the foundations laid in v2.2.
Gas limits will remain conservative, and changes will be made only after exhaustive testing to preserve the network’s reputation for reliability and safety.
IoTeX Core v2.2 is now live.
Instant finality. Secure throughput. Ready for the real world.
For full technical details, view the official GitHub release notes.
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www.iotex.io
