Ethereum in 2026: The network will integrate ZK proofs and parallel processing to scale to thousands of TPS

Ethereum is preparing for a radical transformation in 2026. Discover how the implementation of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs and parallel processing will multiply its scalability, security, and interoperability.

As we approach the end of the year, the gaze of investors, developers, and enthusiasts in the crypto ecosystem inevitably turns to the horizon. While Ethereum's present is solid, its immediate future promises an unprecedented technical overhaul. 

The leading smart contract network is on the verge of a metamorphosis that, by 2026, aims to solve its most persistent historical challenge: massive scalability without sacrificing decentralization.

Currently, Ethereum's base layer operates under known processing limitations, handling only a few dozen transactions per second (TPS). However, beneath the surface, the development machinery led by Vitalik Buterin and key figures such as the researcher Justin DrakeEthereum is finalizing the details of an aggressive roadmap. The goal is to transform Ethereum into an infrastructure capable of processing thousands of simultaneous transactions, making it the fastest, most secure, and most efficient network in the Web3 environment.

The 'Glamsterdam' revolution: Parallels and ZK evidence

Ethereum's technical calendar marks 2026 in red for the deployment of the hard fork called GlamsterdamThis update represents a technical turning point, comparable in magnitude to the historic move to Proof of Stake with The Merge. Glamsterdam's core ambition is to drastically increase thegas limit"—the fuel that enables operations on the network— going from the current 60 million with targets to about 180 million."

Furthermore, to increase its scalability levels without collapsing the network, Ethereum will implement the parallel processing.

In simple terms, parallel processing will allow transactions to be executed simultaneously, instead of one after another as is currently the case. This change will reduce waiting times and make Ethereum run more efficiently. However, to maintain its decentralized nature, some validators will need to adopt a new verification system based on so-called zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs.

This technology allows for the confirmation that operations within a block are valid without having to review them one by one. In this way, validators can verify information with less computational effort. 

According to Researcher Justin Drake says that about 10% of validators will start using this method during 2026, paving the way for expanding the gas limit.

Furthermore, the Glamsterdam upgrade will integrate ePBS, a new system that eliminates penalties for late validation. This is crucial, as ZK proofs require more time to complete and propagate across the network. With ePBS, validators will have more leeway to certify blocks, facilitating the adoption of the new model.

Towards the end of 2026, another hard forkThe upgrade, called Heze-Bogotá, will focus on strengthening the network's privacy and censorship resistance. This will not only improve Ethereum's speed and capacity but also reinforce its decentralization, preparing it to meet the challenges of the next generation of blockchain applications.

The path towards lighter and more decentralized validation

The adoption of zero-knowledge proofs on Ethereum will progress gradually. In the so-called Phase Zero, only a few enthusiasts and research teams are willing to bear the cost of validating proofs in real time. The next stage, planned for 2026, estimates that around ten percent of validators will adopt this system. Later, in 2027, ZK proofs will become mandatory for block producers, paving the way for the integration of zkEVMs as the new execution standard on the network.

Over time, this technology promises to completely change how transactions are validated on Ethereum. Its main appeal is that it significantly reduces the hardware requirements for validators. Currently, a high-performance computer is needed to process all transactions, but with ZK proofs, simply confirming a mathematical verification that guarantees the block's validity is sufficient. This means that even a mobile phone or smartwatch could participate in the validation process, opening the door to a more inclusive network accessible to all users.

Alongside these advances, the sector's technical progress is attracting attention. Equipment such as ZKsync They have managed to generate real-time tests using just two consumer graphics cards. Other projects, with more powerful configurations, have reduced verification times to less than eight seconds. Although challenges remain regarding security and tester diversity, the results suggest that Ethereum could reach a new level of scalability without losing its decentralized nature.

Finally, this model will redefine how tasks are distributed within the network. Block producers and ZK provers will handle the most complex operations, while validators will take care of lighter functions. In this way, the network will become more efficient and make better use of its resources, strengthening its performance and ensuring the participation of a broader community.

2026 is a decisive year for Ethereum

2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Ethereum. With the arrival of the Glamsterdam hard fork, the integration of ZK proofs, and the development of new interoperability layers, the network is preparing for a key stage in its evolution. If the timeline progresses as planned, Ethereum could solidify its position as one of the most secure and scalable infrastructures in the crypto ecosystem.

In simple terms, ZK proofs and parallel processing will allow the network to process more transactions in less time, boosting the efficiency of the main layer. At the same time, improvements in interoperability will enable different second-layer solutions to work better together, reducing costs and preventing liquidity fragmentation. As a result, users will experience a faster network, while developers and businesses will find a more stable environment for building new blockchain-based applications.

Ultimately, Ethereum aims to move towards a more inclusive and resilient network, better equipped to handle market changes. Behind this step is the collaborative work of the community led by Vitalik Buterin, which continues to promote decentralization as a core value and driver of innovation within the crypto ecosystem.