Pi App Studio Launches Ad-Supported App Deployment for Pioneers

Pi Network has rolled out a new update for Pi App Studio. The change lets Pioneers deploy app updates by watching ads instead of paying Pi. The Pi Core Team shared the update on X. The goal is simple. More people can now build apps, even if they have no Pi balance or have not moved to Mainnet yet. This move lowers the entry barrier and keeps builders active during market pressure.

Ad-Supported App Deployment Goes Live

The new option allows users to deploy app versions without spending Pi. Instead, they watch short ads. This feature mainly helps new users and non-migrated Pioneers. These users could not pay Pi before, so they could not test or improve apps. Now, they can experiment and learn without waiting for migration.

#PiNetwork 📢Pioneers can now deploy their app iterations in Pi App Studio without having to pay Pi, by watching ads. This option enables more Pioneers—especially those who are not yet Mainnet-migrated and are unable to pay Pi—to experiment, learn, and create apps without being…

— PiNetwork DEX⚡️阿龙 (@fen_leng) January 29, 2026

Pi said the ads don’t fully cover the real cost of app creation. Server and AI costs remain high. Still, the team wants to subsidize part of the cost. They want to stop spam and abuse. For this, the feature may change in the future if it becomes too costly to run.

Easy Pi Payments Inside Apps

Pi App Studio also added a simple way to use Pi payments in apps. Creators can now add Test-Pi payments with no coding. They only need to mention “Pi payment” in their app prompt. This makes it easier for normal users to build useful apps with payment features.

For now, these payments only work during one session. This means purchases don’t stay saved when users leave and come back. Even so, the feature prepares builders for full Mainnet payments later. It also helps Pi move toward real utility, not just holding coins.

Creator Event and Feedback Push

Along with the update, Pi launched a creator event. Pioneers can join a short survey and share which apps they find useful. The first 1,000 valid replies will receive 5 Pi credits. These credits can only be used inside Pi App Studio. This reward helps remove the cost of testing and building. It also pushes more people to try app creation. Pi will use the feedback to improve tools and features. The team wants to shape the platform based on what users actually need.

Focus on Utility Over Price

Pi Network’s recent updates show a clear message. The team wants to build utility during slow market periods. They are pushing tools like no-code app creation and small apps like WordPi. These apps increase daily use and keep the ecosystem active. At the same time, Pi encourages users to run nodes and support the network. Nodes help with security and decentralization. They also prepare the system for future growth.

By adding ad-supported deployment, Pi opens the door to more creators. More creators mean more apps. More apps mean more real use cases. This strategy puts building ahead of price charts. If adoption grows, Pi could turn more users into builders. That may strengthen the ecosystem before full Mainnet use expands. For now, the update shows Pi is betting on tools, not hype.