Ethereum is gearing up for a major performance upgrade in 2026 by switching to zero-knowledge (ZK) proof validation, aiming to scale its network to 10,000 transactions per second and significantly lower the barrier to validator participation.

Key Takeaways

• Ethereum will begin validating ZK-proofs in 2026, enabling the network to process up to 10,000 TPS.
• Validators will no longer need to re-execute every transaction, allowing even low-spec devices like laptops to join the network.
• Glamsterdam and ePBS upgrades will remove penalties for delayed execution, making it easier for validators to switch.
• ZKsync’s Atlas and Ethereum Interoperability Layer (EIL) will improve Layer 2 connectivity and cross-chain liquidity.

What Happened?

In a move that mirrors the scale of Ethereum’s 2022 transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, the network is preparing to overhaul its core validation model by 2026. Instead of re-executing every transaction, validators will start verifying ZK-proofs for each block, drastically increasing efficiency and accessibility.

Ethereum is gearing up for its biggest scaling leap yet.

In 2026, the Glamsterdam fork brings true parallel processing, 3x gas limit increase, and native ZK support.

These upgrades set the stage for 10,000 TPS and beyond.

Enshrined PBS will give block builders and proposers… pic.twitter.com/Nt44Vzm1Vl

— Wess (@WessWeb3) December 26, 2025

Ethereum’s Scaling Revolution Begins

Ethereum currently processes around 30 transactions per second, but that is about to change. With the adoption of ZK-proofs, the network will begin validating mathematical proofs that confirm the accuracy of entire blocks without re-running every transaction. This shift will allow Ethereum to scale rapidly while maintaining security and decentralization.

• Validators will be able to verify blocks using light computation, even on low-spec home devices.
• Phase 1 of this rollout, expected in 2026, targets 10 percent of validators transitioning to ZK validation.
• This will increase the gas limit without overburdening validator hardware, enabling more complex transactions and higher throughput.

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Lean Execution and the Glamsterdam Upgrade

A major enabler of this shift is the upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade, which introduces ePBS (enshrined proposer-builder separation) and eliminates penalties for delayed execution. Currently, validators are penalized for waiting to attest blocks, which discourages participation in ZK validation due to longer proof generation times.

• With ePBS, validators get an entire slot to attest, giving them enough time to validate ZK-proofs.
• Ethereum researcher Justin Drake expects validator participation in ZK validation to increase from 1 percent to 10 percent post-upgrade.

This model offloads heavy computation to block builders and ZK provers, while freeing up validators to perform simple checks. As Gary Schulte from the Besu client team noted, “it allows us to scale the network and traffic with fewer resources working harder.”

Interoperability Gets a Boost with EIL and ZKsync

The Ethereum Interoperability Layer (EIL) is set to launch alongside this transition. It provides a trustless messaging system that allows Layer 2 networks to interact seamlessly.

• EIL enables wallets to perform cross-chain transactions directly, without relying on intermediaries.
• Users will be able to move assets like USDC from Arbitrum to Base in seconds.
• Built on ERC-4337, EIL avoids central solvers and aims for full decentralization.

Meanwhile, ZKsync’s Atlas upgrade leverages ZK-proofs to unlock Ethereum’s Layer 1 liquidity for use on Layer 2s. This drastically reduces interoperability latency, allowing funds to remain secured on Ethereum while being transacted in real time on fast execution chains.

• ZKsync chains can now finalize L1 to L2 transfers faster than Ethereum’s 12-second block time.
• The Elastic Network enables institutions to interact with Ethereum assets instantly, increasing DeFi efficiency.

How the ZK Rollout Will Unfold?

Ethereum’s transition to ZK-proofs is planned in three phases:

1. Phase 0 (ongoing): Early adopters like Justin Drake are validating ZK-proofs despite penalties.
2. Phase 1 (2026): 10 percent of validators will switch, supported by Glamsterdam upgrades.
3. Phase 2 (2027): ZK validation becomes mandatory, with full network integration of zkEVMs.

To increase fault tolerance, Ethereum may use multiple proving systems, accepting a block if three out of five systems agree. The long-term goal is to use a single enshrined proof, but that depends on formal verification, which may not arrive before 2030.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my experience following Ethereum’s major upgrades, this move to ZK-proofs is among the most significant yet. It is not just about scaling to 10,000 TPS. It is about making Ethereum more accessible, decentralized, and efficient for the next generation of users. I found it fascinating that ZK validation already works on regular laptops, and the idea that your phone or smartwatch could validate a block one day is truly game-changing. The combination of lean execution, validator flexibility, and improved L2 interoperability paints a bold future for Ethereum. This is more than just a technical upgrade. It is Ethereum evolving to meet the growing demands of global adoption.