Cronos (CRO) Plans Significant EVM Upgrade with 'Smarturn' on Mainnet

The Cronos (CRO) blockchain is poised for a significant upgrade with the introduction of the 'Smarturn' enhancement on its EVM Mainnet. This anticipated upgrade aims to incorporate several critical protocol improvements, including the integration of smart accounts, new opcodes, Ethereum client updates, and enhanced IBC interoperability, according to Cronos.

Upgrade Details and Timeline

Scheduled for October 30, 2025, the 'Smarturn' upgrade will occur at block height 38432212. The exact timing is projected around 7 AM GMT, though this is contingent on block production progress. During the upgrade, the network is expected to experience a downtime of approximately 30 minutes as validators update their systems.

During this period, all Cronos EVM services, including the mainnet network, public RPCs, the Explorer, and the Cronos bridge, will be temporarily paused. Operations will resume once the upgrade is complete, ensuring all data remains intact.

Impact on End Users

End users should anticipate a seamless transition as the chain undergoes its upgrade at the specified block height. The process involves node operators upgrading their node binary to maintain synchronization with the chain. This temporary pause will conclude once the majority of validators have completed their updates.

Instructions for Node Operators

All node operators are required to upgrade to the latest cronosd binary, version v1.5.1, once the upgrade block height is reached. It is crucial not to upgrade to any version of binary v1.5.* before reaching the target block height to ensure compatibility.

For node operators seeking guidance, detailed instructions are provided. Any questions or concerns about the upgrade can be directed to the Cronos team via their #cronos-mainnet channel on Discord.

By implementing these changes, Cronos aims to bolster its blockchain's performance and interoperability, aligning with its strategic goals of enhancing functionality and user experience on the platform.