TLDR
- Pi Network released its Testnet RPC server on April 8, 2026.
- The server lets developers access blockchain data in real time.
- Read-only smart contract calls work without gas fees on the RPC server.
- State-changing smart contract transactions still require normal fees.
- Node operators can run private or public RPC servers for services.
Pi Network has released a Testnet RPC server for smart contract builders and apps. The update gives developers a new way to connect applications to the Pi blockchain. It also supports testing, data access, and future smart contract deployment within the ecosystem.
The company announced the release on April 8, 2026. The RPC server is now live on Testnet, and Mainnet access may follow later. Pi Network said the rollout builds on earlier Node and protocol upgrades announced on Pi Day 2026.
Pi Network expands its Testnet tools for smart contract work
Pi Network said the new RPC server is an interface between applications and the blockchain. It lets apps send requests and receive responses from the network. This setup is common in blockchain development and supports faster app interaction.
The company linked this release to its recent blockchain upgrades. Pi Mainnet moved to Protocol 20 on Pi Day 2026. The network is now moving to Protocol 21, according to the announcement. These changes support the base layer needed for smart contracts.
Pi Network has released an RPC server, currently available on Testnet, supporting the development, testing, and future deployment of smart contracts within the Pi ecosystem.
The RPC server enables developers to build responsive applications, test contract behavior, and…
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) April 13, 2026
Pi Network said the server supports two kinds of smart contract actions. The first is read-only calls, which do not change blockchain state. These calls do not require gas fees and can return data quickly.
The second type is state-changing transactions. These actions update blockchain data and still require standard transaction processing and fees. This keeps write operations inside the usual network rules while improving access to on-chain data.
RPC access gives developers faster testing and app integration
The Testnet RPC server allows developers to build apps that depend on real-time blockchain data. It also helps teams test smart contract behavior before wider deployment. That gives developers a controlled environment for early work.
Pi Network said developers can use the server for account states, balances, and application data. These read functions are useful for wallets, dashboards, and backend services. They also reduce friction during testing because no gas fee is needed for those calls.
The company invited developers to test the feature through a public endpoint. It shared a sample request using curl and the “getHealth” method. That sample shows the server is open for direct testing on Pi Testnet.
Pi Network stated, ”Developers are encouraged to try it out.” The company also said Mainnet release will depend on Testnet performance and reliability. That means wider rollout will follow network testing and stability checks.
Node operators can also run RPC servers for internal or public use
The announcement also addressed node operators and service providers. Pi Network said they can add their own RPC servers. These servers can support internal products or public access for outside developers.
This option could help businesses manage traffic and control service quality. It also gives more flexibility to projects that plan to build within the Pi ecosystem. Private RPC access is often useful for apps that need stable and direct node communication.
Pi Network framed the release as part of broader ecosystem growth. The company said the server can support user interfaces, backend services, and smart contract testing. That makes it a core tool for builders working on blockchain-based products.
The release places focus on infrastructure rather than consumer features. Even so, it gives developers a clearer path to build on Pi Testnet today. It also sets a base for future Mainnet smart contract activity as network upgrades continue.
