Pi Network Upgrades App Staking For 60M Users

A Community-Driven Approach to App Discovery

Pi Network's Core Team has rolled out a redesigned Ecosystem Directory Staking feature, targeting its community of over 60 million users across more than 200 countries. The update, launched during the Pi2Day 2025 event on June 28, aims to improve both user experience and app discovery within the Pi ecosystem.

The feature introduces a decentralized way for Pioneers and businesses to actively support and promote the ranking of Pi apps and utilities in the Ecosystem Interface. Accessible through the Pi Browser, the feature enables Pioneers and businesses to stake their Pi on the Mainnet blockchain for apps of their choosing, directly boosting that app's ranking within the ecosystem.

By staking Pi tokens, users can promote apps they find valuable, creating a decentralized model that replaces traditional ad systems. The more Pi tokens staked toward an app, the higher it appears in the directory, increasing its visibility and community engagement.

No Protocol-Level Rewards, But Staked Amounts Returned

Pi Network has been clear about one important distinction: this is not a yield-generating staking mechanism. The Ecosystem Directory Staking mechanism allows users to stake Pi Coin on the Mainnet blockchain to enhance the ranking of selected apps within the Pi ecosystem, which is quite different from traditional staking models in the cryptocurrency space.

Pi Network's Core Team confirmed: "Note there are no Pi rewards on the protocol level for the staking as it does not make sense for the network to promote one Pi app over another through this staking feature." The original staked amount is returned to users once the staked duration has ended.

The staking is meant for Pi app developers to decide whether and in which format they want to incentivize their users to stake Pi for their app, as the individual Pi apps are the beneficiaries of the ranking and visibility.

While the Pi App Studio has been welcomed as a tool for developers to build applications, the Ecosystem Directory Staking feature has ignited confusion and controversy among its user base, particularly due to the absence of profit for participants. Even so, the system offers a tangible benefit to the broader network: by locking tokens for set periods, it reduces the circulating supply of Pi, which could support its long-term value. Pi Network says the update prepares the platform for more developers, creators, and apps as the ecosystem continues to grow.

Sources:
Pi Network: Pi2Day 2025 Official Blog
BeInCrypto: Why Pi Network's Ecosystem Staking Is Causing Confusion