Cardano is entering a critical phase in its upgrade roadmap as it prepares for the launch of Protocol version 11, dubbed the van Rossem hard fork.
At the center of this transition is the anticipated release of Cardano Node 10.7.0, a critical software upgrade that will enable ecosystem-wide readiness and testing before deployment to mainnet.
Key Points
- Cardano is approaching a critical upgrade phase as it prepares for the van Rossem hard fork tied to Protocol Version 11.
- Node 10.7.0, which is essential for the upgrade, is expected to roll out in a matter of days.
- A compatible DBSync version will follow shortly to ensure seamless data synchronization.
- The 10.7.x series will transition to Protocol Version 11 through phased testnet deployments before mainnet rollout.
Cardano Nears Key Upgrade
According to an announcement from Intersect, Cardano is approaching a major upgrade milestone, with the Node 10.7.0 pre-release expected within days. This release represents one of two critical node versions required to activate Version 11, known as the van Rossem hard fork.
Previously, Node 10.6.2 initiated upgrade preparations in February. Node 10.7.0 will advance the process and move the network closer to activation.
Beyond basic hard fork readiness, Node 10.7.0 introduces new features and improvements that require ecosystem-wide integration and testing. Developers, infrastructure providers, and stake pool operators will all play a role in this phase. Meanwhile, Intersect hinted at plans to roll out additional minor updates depending on performance outcomes.
In addition, a compatible DBSync version is expected shortly after release to support seamless data synchronization. In the meantime, no serialization changes have been introduced, ensuring continued compatibility with hardware wallets and minimizing disruption.
Subsequently, the 10.7.x series will transition to Protocol Version 11, enabling staged upgrades across testnets before reaching the mainnet.
Cardano upgrade
New Capabilities Under Version 11
Once activated, Version 11 will introduce several new Plutus built-in functions at the protocol level, enhancing smart contracts and decentralized applications.
These include: Modular exponentiation (CIP-109), dropList operations (CIP-132), Multi-scalar multiplication using BLS12-381 (CIP-133), Array handling (CIP-138), and MaryEraValue support (CIP-153)
Notably, these features are already live for testing on the upgraded SanchoNet. At the same time, tools such as the Scalus smart contract tooling have been upgraded to support early development.
Since the upgrade is structured as a non-disruptive intra-era fork, it preserves transaction formats while enhancing functionality and performance.
Timeline and Ecosystem Outlook
Although the exact launch date for Protocol Version 11 remains uncertain, speculation suggests a possible mainnet rollout later this month, following the launch of Midnight. In the meantime, Intersect plans to provide ongoing updates through its Discord channel.
Looking ahead, these developmental milestones strengthen the case for 2026 as a breakout year for Cardano.
With the van Rossem hard fork and Midnight approaching launch, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has also hinted at introducing Ouroboros Leios to improve network scalability. Similarly, broader efforts to expand DeFi activity and enhance competitiveness continue to gain momentum.
