TON is launching a Layer-2 payment network to enable instant, low-cost transactions and compete with Ethereum.
The roadmap includes upgrades to Layer-1 (scalability/decentralization) and Layer-2 (speed/cost), plus new features.
Despite positive developments like Telegram integration and NFT gifts, Toncoin's price has dropped significantly from its all-time high.
In a recent update, The Open Network (TON) unveiled its highly anticipated roadmap for the first half of 2025, outlining several exciting changes to its core blockchain. This roadmap promises big things, including the launch of a Layer-2 network aimed at scaling TON and making it a strong competitor to platforms like Ethereum.
With nine key updates planned, TONโs journey toward improving speed, efficiency, and interoperability is just beginning. What exactly is in store for the future of TON? Read on.
Introducing the Layer-2 Payment Network
A key focus for the TON Core team is the development of a Layer-2 Payment Network, which is essential for scaling the TON blockchain. As described in the TON whitepaper, this payment channel networkโreferred to as the “Lightning Network” of TONโwill allow instant money transfers between nodes, boosting the overall speed and efficiency of transactions.
The roadmap highlights TON Coreโs goal of enabling quick transfers with small fees and seamless asset swaps. The Layer-2 infrastructure is crucial to achieving these objectives, ensuring the network can handle more transactions as it grows.
Key Priorities
While TONโs Layer-1 engine focuses on scalability and decentralization, the new Layer-2 Payment Network will prioritize speed and low costs. Although the current system meets everyday needs, the upcoming network will be designed to handle high-frequency transactions, such as on-chain trading and fast-paced gaming, where speed is critical.
New Features on the Horizon
Currently in beta, the TON CORE team is testing and finalizing the prototype. The next phase will introduce additional features, such as jettons, new currencies, and asset swaps. These upgrades will further improve the network’s capabilities and attract a wider range of users.
Major Milestones & Upgrades
The roadmap also outlines important upcoming milestones, including the Accelerator mainnet upgrade, which will improve shardchain tracking. This upgrade will also split validator functions into two roles: collators, who gather transactions and create block candidates, and validators, who verify blocks.
Other key plans include exploring sidechains, enabling trustless bridging between Toncoin and Bitcoin through TON teleport, and enhancing the user interface. TON is also working on partnerships with Axelar, LayerZero, and Wormhole to increase interoperability across platforms.
In an exciting development, Telegram has announced that TON Connect will be the main gateway for integrating TON with Telegramโs mini apps. This integration is expected to significantly boost the adoption of TON.
Additionally, Telegram has introduced third-party verification and NFT gifting features, which are expected to drive interest in Toncoin. Despite these exciting updates, Toncoin has experienced a notable decline, dropping more than 40% from its all-time high (ATH) of $8.24. It is currently trading at $4.88, down by over 3% in the last 24 hours.
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Though Toncoin’s price has fluctuated, the strategic updates on the horizon signal that TON is far from slowing down.