Avalanche Granite Upgrade: What You Need to Know

Avalanche is set to advance its network with the upcoming Granite upgrade. The update will go live on the Fuji Testnet on October 29th, 2025, and is intended to strengthen multiple areas of the blockchain. The mainnet release will follow at a later date, but developers and users are already exploring what it has to offer.

What Is the Granite Upgrade?

The Granite upgrade brings several improvements through ACP-181, ACP-204, and ACP-226. They enhance interchain messaging, offer modern biometric authentication choices, and improve the efficiency of transaction processing.

ACP-181 addresses inefficiencies in cross-chain message verification through P-Chain Epoched Views. Before, P-Chain pointers were updated with every block, which could cause cross-chain messages to fail. Now, the P-Chain height is fixed for each epoch, making verification more reliable and cheaper for developers.

ACP-204 introduces secp256r1 curve support for signature verification, making biometric authentication possible. This allows fingerprint, facial recognition, and other secure logins in decentralized apps, improving security and user experience.

ACP-226 enables dynamic minimum block times. Blocks will now be able to adjust automatically, making transactions faster and reducing delays. These updates help Avalanche run advanced applications more efficiently and securely.

Why the Granite Upgrade Matters for Users and Developers?

For developers, the upgrade makes interchain messaging reliable and predictable. Lower verification costs and stable validator views make building cross-chain apps easier, saving time and resources. This stability also allows trying out multi-chain platforms without worrying about frequent message errors.

For users, Granite simplifies the use of dApps. Password-free biometric authentication increases safety and accessibility for financial, healthcare, and identity applications. Fast, secure logins with strong verification help build trust, which supports enterprise adoption.

Dynamic block times are beneficial for everyone. Transactions will happen almost instantly for users, while developers will be able to design real-time apps with more flexibility. The ability to adjust block times without a network upgrade will allow Avalanche to work smoothly even under heavy use.

Timeline and Implications

Granite will launch on the Fuji Testnet on October 29. This gives developers a safe space to test applications and try new features without risking real assets. After testing is complete, a schedule for the mainnet launch will be announced.

Granite also sets the stage for future upgrades. Features like Streaming Asynchronous Execution (SAE) and Firewood Database support will allow the network to handle more complex applications. Flexible block times and reliable interchain messaging make it easier for developers and users.

For organizations and developers looking to deploy on Avalanche, this update represents a clear enhancement in reliability, security, and performance.

Next Steps for Avalanche

Granite will launch on the Fuji Testnet on October 29, allowing developers to test applications and explore new features in a secure environment. The feedback gathered during this stage will influence the timing of the mainnet upgrade. Overall, it will provide smoother transactions, stronger authentication, and a network prepared for more complex applications.