When Will Pi Launch Open Network Mainnet?

For Pi Network's vast community of "Pioneers," one question has dominated discussions in recent months and years: When will the Open Network mainnet finally launch? While most cryptocurrency projects treat mainnet launches as straightforward milestones to be achieved as quickly as possible, Pi Network's journey to mainnet has been notably more complex and controversial.

The Origins of Pi Network

Pi Network emerged in 2019 with an ambitious vision championed by its Stanford-educated founders. The project's core mission was revolutionary in its simplicity: make cryptocurrency mining accessible to everyone through their mobile phones. This democratization of crypto mining captured the imagination of millions, building one of the largest communities in the cryptocurrency space.

The Simple Answer: Q1 2025 Launch Target

According to Pi Network's latest official communications, the Open Network mainnet is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2025. That is, before March 31st. This timeline has been recently reaffirmed in the project's communications, with a recent blog post explicitly stating that "the Open Network is still on track for Q1 2025" despite other ongoing developments within the ecosystem.

However, the reality behind this launch date is more nuanced than it might appear at first glance…

A History of Delays and Extensions

The Pi Network community's skepticism regarding launch dates stems from a pattern of delays and extensions that has characterized the project's development:

Multiple Grace Period Extensions

The project's "Grace Period" - a window allowing community members to complete various requirements including KYC verification - has been extended three separate times. While Pi Network maintains that these extensions are "independent of Open Network timing," each delay has eroded some community members’ confidence in the project's ability to meet announced deadlines.

Years of Mainnet Anticipation

The journey toward Open Network launch has been marked by several unfulfilled possibilities:

• The project's second whitepaper (released in late 2021) suggested potential launch dates in March or June 2022
• In December 2023, Pi Network announced that Open Network would launch in the year 2024 “if the following three conditions are met”. This did not happen.
• Recent communications continue to include qualifying language about launch timing, noting that, for instance, "Open Network could occur before or after the Grace Period ends".

It may appear as if the projects announcements regarding Open Network launch always give the team the possibility to extend further.

Will Pi Network Ever Launch the Open Network?

This is now a reasonable question for many, and one that has become increasingly complex as the community grapples with extended waiting periods and shifting timelines. That said, many community members seem to remain confident in the project. Several factors contribute to the uncertainty:

Community Trust Concerns

After more than three years of waiting, many Pioneers are questioning the project's commitment to launching the Open Network mainnet. The repeated delays and extensions have created a trust deficit that could become critical if the Q1 2025 target is not met.

Revenue Model Considerations

Some community members speculate that advertising revenue might be influencing launch timing. Some claim that the project currently generates income through in-app advertising, leading some to theorize that mainnet launch might be delayed until this revenue stream diminishes. This has prompted some Pioneers to disable ads within their apps as a form of protest.

Looking Ahead: Critical Moments for Pi Network

The Q1 2025 launch target represents a massively crucial moment for Pi Network. If achieved, it could vindicate the project's methodical approach to development and community building. However, missing this deadline could have serious implications for community trust and project momentum.

What's at Stake

The success or failure of meeting the Q1 2025 launch target could determine Pi Network's future trajectory:

• Community loyalty hangs in the balance
• Project credibility could be significantly impacted (and there are some other factors that contribute to controversy around the project)
• The innovative mobile mining concept's viability may be questioned

Conclusion

While Pi Network publicly targets a Q1 2025 launch for its Open Network mainnet, the project's history of delays and qualifications makes this timeline uncertain to some. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Pi Network can deliver on its promises and maintain its community's trust. As the Q1 2025 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Pi Network to see if it can finally achieve this long-awaited milestone in its development.

[Updated 7th February, 2025]