Pi Network Opens Testnet Subscription Contract for Review, Sets Protocol 22 Upgrade Deadline

The process gauges a budget-based subscription tool that could support recurring payments for apps.

Overview

Pi released PiRC2 to open its Testnet subscription smart contract to public technical review, with external audits now underway.
The contract lets users set a spending limit for recurring charges so they do not sign each bill, and approved funds remain in the wallet until processing.
Node operators must upgrade to Protocol 22 to keep their Mainnet nodes online, creating near-term pressure on infrastructure.
PI traded near $0.17 and roughly 94% below its 2025 peak despite the ongoing upgrade cycle and testing push.
Community response mixed praise for new utility with frustration over long KYC backlogs and slow mainnet migration.