Ethereum's Pectra Upgrade Promises Major Enhancements by Q1 2025

Ethereum core developers are gearing up for the Pectra upgrade, scheduled for release by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The upgrade will introduce the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Object Format (EOF), which includes around 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) designed to enhance the EVM code through an opt-in container system. This development aims to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the platform, facilitating future upgrades.

Another significant feature of the Pectra upgrade is PeerDAS, a data availability sampling solution intended to improve data distribution and availability within the network. Additionally, the upgrade will replace the existing EIP-3074 account abstraction with EIP 7702, a new proposal by Vitalik Buterin. This change will allow Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) to function as smart contract wallets during transactions, enhancing security and user experience.

The scope of the Pectra upgrade is still under discussion, with some features, such as the integration of Verkle trees, potentially being postponed to a future hard fork named Osaka. The development community is actively working to ensure a smooth transition and alignment with the long-term vision of the Ethereum network.