Ethereum core developers are focusing on delivering the Fusaka upgrade by the end of the year, according to the latest Checkpoint update from the Ethereum Foundation. The upgrade, which promises cheaper L2 transactions and enhanced data availability, is in its final stretch, with PeerDAS being fast-tracked for inclusion. However, the timeline includes built-in buffers to accommodate security reviews and community needs, and one feature, EIP-7907, was dropped to avoid delays.
Fusaka Timeline and Constraints
The upgrade schedule incorporates two 30-day buffers: one between client releases and the first testnet upgrade, requested by security teams for audits, and another before the mainnet upgrade to give L2s and bridges time to prepare. The upgrade will be tested on Sepolia and Hoodi testnets, which closely mimic mainnet conditions. These buffers were introduced after the Pectra upgrade faced issues, such as Holešky falling into an unfinalizing state, highlighting the need for stability on testnets that developers rely on.
EIP-7907, which would increase the contract code size limit and add gas metering to code loading, was removed from Fusaka because it lacked necessary benchmarking and risked delaying the upgrade. Alternative proposals to increase codesize were also rejected due to unclear timelines. Developers interested in reviving EIP-7907 have an opportunity to champion it for the next upgrade, Glamsterdam, though its inclusion is not guaranteed.
Glamsterdam Feature Selection
A new, more organized process is being piloted for Glamsterdam, where the upgrade will first select its 'headlining feature(s)'—one for the consensus layer and one for the execution layer—before choosing smaller features. The Ethereum Foundation has introduced a tool called Forkcast to present headliner options and their impacts on various stakeholders. Community feedback is being solicited, with decisions expected by mid-August. Upcoming calls on July 31st and August 7th will continue discussions.
Gas Limit and History Expiry Updates
The gas limit has been successfully increased to 45M following recommendations from testing teams during Berlinterop, with the latest block's gas limit at 45,043,901 gas. Testing teams are now working on progressive increases. Additionally, history expiry has been delivered, with clients now defaulting to dropping pre-merge history in validators. The next step is implementing 'rolling' history expiry to prevent continuous storage growth.
According to commentary from Nixo, to release Fusaka before Devconnect in November, client releases must be cut by mid-to-late August, with minimal testnet issues. This could place mainnet upgrade in early November, but any snags could push it to after Devconnect. Despite challenges, the motivation to ship the fork remains high, and it is expected by year-end. The Glamsterdam headliner discussions have been 'amiably contentious,' but a faster upgrade cadence could ease urgency. The Ethereum community, including L2s, bridges, and staking protocols, has actively engaged in shaping the core protocol.
