In a major leap forward for its ecosystem, IOTA officially launched its Rebased Mainnet on May 5, 2025, marking a decisive break from the Stardust framework and ushering in a new, developer-friendly infrastructure. This landmark upgrade promises to supercharge the network with smart contract capabilities, enhanced tokenization, and unprecedented scalability—positioning IOTA as a serious contender in the Web3 space.
A Seamless Leap into the Future
Unlike other major blockchain upgrades that often demand technical gymnastics from users, IOTA’s transition was refreshingly seamless. Token holders were not required to migrate their assets manually. Instead, users can simply load their credentials—whether mnemonic phrases, private keys, or Firefly/Bloom strongholds—into the new browser-based IOTA Wallet.
While the legacy Firefly Wallet will be phased out, support for Ledger hardware wallets remains intact. However, users will need to manually install the new IOTA app due to a break in compatibility with Ledger Live. To further enhance the user experience, a Wallet Dashboard Web App is expected soon, offering expanded control over token management and Assembly-to-IOTA vesting insights.
The Genesis Ceremony: A Coordinated Rebirth
The network upgrade began with a planned network pause at 9:00 a.m. CEST, temporarily halting both the Stardust Mainnet and the IOTA EVM. This kicked off the Genesis Ceremony, a highly coordinated event led by the IOTA Foundation in collaboration with 12 trusted validators, including Nansen, Blockscope, and Kiln.
The ceremony involved several critical steps—from snapshot creation and metadata submission to address mapping and final consensus. Once each validator signed off on the genesis.blob, a cryptographically sealed snapshot used to initialize the new network, the IOTA Foundation activated the core infrastructure. This included the deployment of updated node software and reactivation of essential services such as APIs, wallet apps, and network explorers.
Tools for a Transparent Network
To monitor activity on the revitalized network, IOTA users now have access to two powerful explorer tools: the official IOTA Explorer and the community-built IOTAscan. These platforms offer real-time analytics, including transaction flows, validator performance, and smart contract deployments. Additionally, third-party wallet providers like Night Wallet—available on both mobile and web—give users flexible access to their digital assets.
EVM Compatibility and Cross-Network Integration
While the new mainnet is already live, the IOTA Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is expected to resume operations later today. Developers and users can interact with the EVM through MetaMask, and a new IOTA EVM Bridge Web App will simplify token transfers between the native Layer 1 and EVM environments—enhancing cross-network functionality.
The reborn IOTA is also expanding its validator ecosystem. The network relaunched with 13 validators, and that number is set to scale rapidly—targeting 50 within days and 150 over the coming months. Token holders are encouraged to delegate their tokens via the new wallet dashboard to support decentralization and security.
What’s Next for IOTA?
During the upgrade window, exchange services such as deposits and withdrawals were temporarily paused but are expected to resume shortly. Meanwhile, the IOTA Foundation is working closely with partners and developers to roll out decentralized applications, new integrations, and ecosystem enhancements at an accelerated pace.
With the IOTA Rebased Mainnet now live, the network emerges with renewed strength—optimized for real-world utility, enterprise use, and community-driven innovation. As the ecosystem opens its doors to builders and users, IOTA’s future has never looked more promising.
