Pi Network is once again in the spotlight after the Pi Core Team announced two major agendas at the end of September. After successfully completing the Protocol 27 upgrade on Mainnet, the network is now preparing for Protocol 28.

“Following the successful completion of the Protocol 27 upgrade on Pi Mainnet, Pi Testnet has upgraded to Protocol 28.” – Pi Network @PiCoreTeam, September 25, 2026

Official schedule every Pioneer must note:

– Node Operator Upgrade Deadline: October 13, 2026

– Protocol 28 Mainnet Launch: October 16, 2026

Protocol 28 brings 3 main changes: improved handling of delayed transaction data, ability to upgrade groups of smart contracts at once, and a safer method for changing stored data.

PI Price Today: Holding at $0.088 – $0.090

As of today, PI is trading around $0.0883 – $0.0905 with a small daily decline of -0.59%.

Market analysis shows PI is still in a neutral to cautious condition. Thin liquidity of around $5-6 million makes the price vulnerable to sharp moves.

Key levels to watch:

– Important Support: $0.086 – If broken, risk of falling to $0.070

– Resistance: $0.092 – $0.095 – If broken with volume, chance to retest $0.10 opens up

Ahead of the Protocol 28 activation on October 16, the ability to hold the $0.086 support will determine whether PI just moves sideways or starts a new recovery momentum.

New Partnership: Pi x Open Standard & OUSD

What makes this month different is the partnership between Pi Network and Open Standard, the company behind the new stablecoin Open USD (OUSD) which launched on September 30.

This collaboration was announced together with the public launch of OUSD and will explore reward programs for Pi users and wider integration with the stablecoin ecosystem. Fundamentally, this gives a new narrative for Pi Network as discussion starts shifting from just blockchain development towards potential use of Pi in payment and settlement activities.

However, Pi has not provided a launch date, reward terms, or explanation of how OUSD will connect to the PI token, so the deal so far is a stated intention rather than a product.

Outlook for Next Week

Analysts divide the October outlook into 4 phases:

– Oct 1-7: $0.0850 – $0.0975

– Oct 8-14: $0.0812 – $0.1003 (ahead of Node deadline Oct 13)

– Oct 15-21: $0.0812 – $0.1100 – Protocol 28 upgrade lands Oct 16, close above $0.1003 opens path to $0.11 August high

– Oct 22-31: $0.0700 – $0.1100 depending on Fed decision Oct 28

Bottom Line: PI is currently in a waiting-for-catalyst phase. There is no major fundamental change today, price movement is more influenced by quiet market conditions and minimal direct catalyst. The market will see whether the October 16 upgrade is actually followed by increased app activity and transactions, not just expectations.