Pi Coin Jumps 5.6% as Node v0.5.3 Rollout Renews Interest

Pi Coin saw renewed bullish interest this week after the Pi Network team launched Node version 0.5.3. The update aims to push the network’s decentralization forward, giving new life to price action and community sentiment.

As of July 11, Pi is trading at around $0.4996, marking a 5.6% jump in 24 hours and a 7% gain over the week. Market cap surged to $3.83 billion, with 24-hour volume rising nearly 197% to $202 million, according to CoinMarketCap.

Node Upgrade Sparks Fresh Momentum

The highlight of the week is the rollout of Pi Node version 0.5.3. The upgrade introduces several backend changes expected to improve node stability, participation incentives, and validator coordination.

While the update itself doesn’t introduce visible user-facing features. Pi Core Team has positioned it as a technical step toward decentralization, a core demand from long-time supporters. The new version strengthens the testnet layer and prepares for higher activity ahead of the Open Mainnet.

The broader Pi Network community reacted positively. Many view this move as a much-needed signal that development is active, especially amid criticisms about delays and vague timelines.

Price Follows Bitcoin’s Lead, But With Caution

Pi Coin’s upward momentum also mirrors the larger market’s surge. Bitcoin hit a fresh all-time high of $118,000, rising 8.2% in the past week. Traders suggest Pi tends to follow Bitcoin’s general trend, though with limitations. “Pi will follow BTC’s momentum,” said @pinetworkmember, “but with missing decentralization, communication from the CT, and liquidity, the rise won’t be huge.”

Image 1, Coinmarketcap highlights Pi Coin this week

Still, the timing of Pi’s node update and the Bitcoin rally appears to have worked in Pi’s favor this week. The project’s market behavior increasingly aligns with broader crypto sentiment, reinforcing its relevance despite ongoing criticisms.

Decentralization Still in Focus

The launch of Node v0.5.3 also rekindled the long-standing debate about Pi’s decentralization. While the Pi Core Team has shared plans and roadmaps, concerns persist regarding the closed mainnet, lack of exchange listings, and opaque token allocation.

The rollout suggests progress, but the community remains divided. Some believe that only once the mainnet is open and fully operational, allowing true peer-to-peer transactions. That Pi can be considered genuinely decentralized. Until then, developers and core team updates remain key to short-term market confidence.

Looking Ahead

The next key milestone is expected to be a full Open Mainnet announcement or a major ecosystem event. That is possibly tied to Pi Day in March 2026. For now, small technical steps like Node v0.5.3 seem enough to sustain market optimism.

Pi Coin is gaining real traction with daily trading volume now above $200 million and a circulating supply of 7.67 billion PI. Whether it can sustain this momentu  or convert it into lasting adoption, will depend on how fast the team can meet its promises.