Ethereum's Next Major Upgrade, Pectra, Split into Two Parts:

ChainCatcher reports that Ethereum core developers have decided to split the network's next major upgrade, Pectra, into at least two parts, with the first update expected to launch around February 2025.

Currently, gas fees on Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, and other Layer 2 networks must be paid in ETH, regardless of the token being transferred. The first part of Pectra includes a proposal, EIP-7702, that will effectively end this requirement, allowing users to pay gas fees using other, more widely-used cryptocurrencies.

Another improvement is EIP-7251, which will allow Ethereum stakers to earn rewards on staked amounts exceeding 32 ETH. For example, users currently staking 40 ETH are unable to earn rewards or gain voting rights on the additional 8 ETH. This will significantly reduce the bandwidth requirements across the entire Ethereum network.

Two other proposals included in the initial Pectra release, EIP-6110 and EIP-7002, will also enable fully automated and permissionless ETH staking pools for the first time.

The remaining parts of Pectra may not be implemented until 2026.