Ethereum developers are racing to complete a quantum-resistant upgrade to its Layer 1 network by the end of 2029. Hegota plans to initiate an intermediate step for transitioning account signatures beginning in late 2026. EIP-8141 allows individual accounts to choose safer signature options without needing a full network switchover. Validators currently use compact 96-byte BLS signatures, but quantum-safe leanXMSS signatures will grow to approximately 3,100 bytes. leanVM is being developed to reduce those signatures by roughly 250 times. More than ten client teams run weekly trials, with a backup plan if quantum advances arrive sooner. January 2027 will reveal whether Ethereum can maintain its schedule.
Ethereum has set a deadline of the end of 2029 to complete its Layer 1 network transition against the threat of quantum computers. Hegota plans to initiate an intermediate step toward transitioning account signatures to stronger ones beginning at the end of 2026.
All parties will be able to upgrade without needing the entire network switched over. Later upgrades will extend protection to validators, network data, and rollups.
Completing the transition requires five upgrades after Glamsterdam, leaving roughly seven months between each upgrade. More than ten client teams already run weekly trials to test the changes.
The protocol has a backup plan where J* comes into play if quantum advances arrive earlier than intended. January 2027 should reveal whether Ethereum can maintain this schedule and remain on course for its 2029 target.
Validators currently use compact 96-byte BLS signatures, where thousands are combined into one aggregate signature. Quantum-safe leanXMSS signatures will grow to approximately 3,100 bytes in size.
leanVM is being developed to reduce those signatures by approximately 250 times. On the user side, EIP-8141 allows individual accounts to make their own choice regarding safer signature options.
Finality currently takes roughly 13 to 16 minutes, leaving transactions waiting longer than Ethereum ultimately wants. New designs could gradually cut that delay toward seconds.
zkEVM progress offers stronger evidence that execution is already improving. Maintaining similar delivery through upcoming upgrades will show whether Ethereum can realistically reach its broader 2029 target.
