Hassan Maishera
TL;DR
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Pi Network (PI) rebounded above $0.082 after holding a key support zone earlier this week.
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The Pi Core Team announced a mandatory Protocol 26 Mainnet upgrade with an August 11 migration deadline.
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The upgrade is expected to advance Pi's decentralization, scalability, and network functionality ahead of Protocol 27.
Pi Network (PI) extended its recovery on Thursday, trading above $0.082 after bouncing from a key support zone earlier this week. The rebound gained momentum following the Pi Core Team's announcement of a mandatory Protocol 26 Mainnet upgrade, while technical indicators suggest selling pressure is beginning to ease.
Although PI remains within a broader downtrend, improving momentum signals and the latest network development have strengthened the case for a near-term recovery.
Pi Network Sets August 11 Deadline for Protocol 26 Upgrade
On Wednesday, the Pi Core Team announced on X that all Mainnet node operators must upgrade to Protocol 26 through the Pi Node software by August 11, 2026, or risk being disconnected from the network.
The Pi Mainnet is upgrading to Protocol 26. Deadline: Aug. 11.
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) July 29, 2026
All Mainnet node operators must complete the upgrade before the deadline to remain connected to the network. Details here: https://t.co/9VehO7hhj1
Protocol 26 is a major milestone ahead of the final planned upgrade,…
According to the team, Protocol 26 represents a significant milestone before the rollout of Protocol 27, the final planned upgrade in the current development roadmap.
The network has successfully completed eight protocol upgrades in recent months, with the final two updates expected to introduce the latest protocol features, improve overall functionality, and strengthen network performance.
The upgrades are designed to support Pi Network's long-term roadmap toward greater decentralization, open-source node infrastructure, improved scalability, and enhanced privacy-focused applications for its expanding ecosystem.
While the announcement has reinforced long-term optimism, its short-term impact has been more measured. PI gained more than 4% on Wednesday before extending its recovery above $0.082 during Thursday's session.
Pi Network Price Forecast: Bears Lose Momentum, But Trend Remains Weak
Pi Network continues to trade below its major trend indicators, suggesting the broader market structure remains bearish despite the recent rebound.
At the time of writing, PI remains below the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $0.104, the 100-day EMA ($0.125), and the 200-day EMA ($0.165).
A previously broken descending trendline near $0.096 has now become the first major resistance level that bulls must reclaim to strengthen the recovery.
Meanwhile, momentum indicators suggest bearish pressure is beginning to fade. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has climbed to around 37, indicating momentum remains weak but is gradually stabilizing after approaching oversold conditions.
At the same time, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has turned marginally positive, signaling that selling pressure is easing. However, the indicator has yet to confirm a sustained bullish trend reversal.
On the upside, PI faces several resistance levels before a broader recovery can develop.
The first obstacle sits at $0.096, followed by the 50-day EMA at $0.104. A successful breakout above these levels could expose the next horizontal resistance around $0.118, with the 100-day EMA at $0.125 serving as another key hurdle. The 200-day EMA at $0.165 continues to define the longer-term bearish trend.
On the downside, $0.075 remains the most important support level. A decisive break below this zone could trigger another wave of selling and expose PI to deeper losses.
However, if buyers continue defending this support while momentum indicators improve, Pi Network could remain in a consolidation phase and gradually build a stronger recovery toward higher resistance levels.
