Tether is pushing to issue its dollar-pegged stablecoin USDT natively on Bitcoin using the RGB protocol, with a launch possibly this month and exchanges and wallets working on integration. The project uses RGB v0.11.1 developed by UTEXO, which will handle issuance and distribution with Tether. Supporters say linking RGB with the Lightning Network can enable fast transfers while using Bitcoin security, but analysts warn Tron’s entrenched payment infrastructure and liquidity could make competition difficult.

Protocol upgrades rather than prices are emerging as a key variable for the blockchain market in the second half of 2026. Cointelegraph reported that Ethereum, Solana and Avalanche are preparing major upgrades, while Coinbase’s Base recently implemented the Beryl hard fork. This year’s upgrade focus is shifting toward stability, predictable governance and institutional-grade infrastructure. Ethereum’s Glamsterdam, Solana’s Alpenglow and Base’s Beryl include changes aimed at scalability and finality, while Avalanche is prioritising restructuring tied to institutional demand and tokenised assets.