zkSync Lite is Coming Soon: What Will Happen in 2026

Quick Summary of Key Changes

The legacy network zkSync Lite is approaching the end of its lifecycle. The cryptocurrency protocol will shut down in 2026, but this will not happen suddenly—there is a careful transition process in place for users.

Currently, the network handles fewer than 200 transactions per day, a significant drop from its peak activity period. Investments totaling $50 million will remain protected, and Ethereum Layer 1 withdrawals will stay open throughout the transition period.

The Future Focuses on Era and Multi-Chain Ecosystem

The separation from zkSync Lite does not mean the loss of the entire zkSync ecosystem. The organization is actively shifting its focus toward zkSync Era, the ZK Stack infrastructure, and cross-chain innovations like the Atlas upgrade launched on December 5.

Atlas introduced native cross-chain messaging capabilities between ZK networks, meaning more ways for applications to communicate and for users to transact faster. This feature helps increase daily active users as the ecosystem continues to grow.

In the bigger picture, the ZK token is undergoing governance restructuring to clarify its economic value proposition. The new model connects multiple revenue streams—from on-chain protocol fees to licensing arrangements for enterprise deployments. All of this is managed by a governance system designed for long-term sustainability and community empowerment.

Security and Challenges on the Path

Not everything is smooth sailing in the zkSync narrative. On June 13, 2025, our community experienced an incident that highlighted the challenges of digital security. The official X accounts of ZKsync and Matter Labs faced a sophisticated phishing attack controlled by attackers and used to spread fraudulent information.

Fake posts claimed that the company was under SEC review and promoted a fraudulent airdrop scheme. The attack temporarily impacted the ZK token price, but Matter Labs responded quickly—confirming control recovery and launching an investigation.

The incident served as a reminder to the ecosystem about the importance of security measures and the risks of third-party account delegation.

Building a Stronger ZK Infrastructure

The goal of shutting down zkSync Lite is clear: simplify the ecosystem and focus on more advanced technology. The proof-of-performance upgrade in October brought privacy enhancements for tokenized assets and high-throughput applications.

The transition will not be rushed. A detailed migration guide will be released in Q1 2026, ensuring no sudden disruptions for users and providing adequate time for smooth asset transfers to Ethereum Layer 1 or other ZK-powered solutions.

The strategic direction is clear: from a single rollup to a multi-chain zero-knowledge ecosystem with sustainable economics and community-driven governance.