Optimism sets mainnet date for major Superchain upgrade pending governance approval
Optimism has outlined its timeline for Superchain Improve 16a, a safety-focused improve designed to provide chains extra flexibility and builders higher instruments.
Abstract
- Optimism introduced that Superchain Improve 16a testnet deployment will go reside on Sept. 22 and mainnet launch on Oct. 2.
- The improve removes unused interop withdrawal-proving code and provides system-level function toggles for safer, versatile improvement.
- OP Contracts Supervisor updates streamline adoption, with no affect on customers.
Optimism has unveiled plans for its subsequent main community improve which goals to spice up security and suppleness throughout its ecosystem. The improve is described as a upkeep launch that improves developer instruments and prepares the groundwork for future options.
In an announcement shared through X on Sept. 19, the workforce mentioned the improve would go reside on the Superchain Sepolia testnet on Sept. 22 and attain the Superchain Mainnet on Oct. 2, pending governance approval by the Optimism Collective.
Optimism’s deal with security and suppleness
Improve 16a replaces the sooner Improve 16, which had included withdrawal-proving logic that was by no means activated on mainnet. Optimism (OP) has now taken that code out of manufacturing paths in response to companion suggestions, leaving it within the repository to be used when interoperability options are ready for deployment.
Pending governance approval, Superchain Improve 16a will likely be proposed for execution quickly:
📍 Sep 22 → Superchain Sepolia
📍 Oct 2 → Superchain MainnetThis can be a upkeep improve changing U16 with a safer, extra versatile method.
Let’s unpack what’s altering (and what’s… pic.twitter.com/vkM5E0aD5B
— Optimism (@Optimism) September 19, 2025
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System-level function toggles are a big addition that allow new options to be turned on or off per chain with out influencing different community nodes. ETHLockbox would be the first function ruled by this mechanism, with potential future functions together with customized gasoline tokens.
Improve 16a additionally contains function flags for builders to soundly check interoperability in non-production environments, ensuring that reside chains will not be affected by experimental code.
Smoother improve path for chains
To streamline adoption, Optimism has up to date its OP Contracts Supervisor. Chains presently on Improve 15 can now transfer on to 16a, whereas these already on Improve 16 can migrate seamlessly with out disruption. Crucially, the modifications don’t affect end-user habits or withdrawal proofs, highlighting Optimism’s methodical, modular method to development.
The improve comes as Optimism continues its push to place its Superchain framework as an important hub for Ethereum’s (ETH) development. Its attain has been elevated by way of partnerships with tasks like Base, Ronin, and Unichain, whereas latest collaborations with Succinct Labs and Flashbots point out a rising deal with fault-proofing, sequencing flexibility, and zero-knowledge expertise.
On the time of writing, OP was buying and selling at $0.835, up 1.2% on the day and 6% over the previous week, with a market capitalization of about $1.49 billion.
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