TLDR
- Ripple CTO David Schwartz confirmed that XRPL uses frequent technical hard forks to support upgrades and fixes.
- The XRPL network is preparing to activate version 3.1.3 within nine days.
- Nodes that fail to update to version 3.1.3 will lose communication with the network.
- Schwartz rejected a one-node one-vote model due to risks of Sybil attacks.
- He explained that XRPL relies on a Unique Node List to determine trusted validators.
Ripple’s technology leadership clarified how XRP Ledger (XRPL) handles upgrades and validator splits while a new software version rolls out. The network prepares for version 3.1.3 activation as debate continues around consensus mechanics and node participation rules. At the same time, XRP price activity reflects tight volatility conditions, with traders watching key levels for confirmation.
XRPL upgrade process and hard fork explanation
David Schwartz addressed concerns about XRPL upgrades and confirmed that the network uses technical hard forks more frequently than peers. He explained that this pattern results from XRPL’s architecture and its use of smart transactors.
He stated, “It is true that XRPL has more events that are technically hard forks than most other established public ledgers.”
He added that these upgrades support feature deployment and system fixes while maintaining network function.
It is true that XRPL has more events that are technically hard forks than most other established public ledgers. That's mostly due to the somewhat unique place XRPL sits due to its use of smart transactors.
Stellar has a similar architecture. And if my memory serves me…
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) May 18, 2026
The network currently rolls out version 3.1.3, which includes a fix amendment scheduled to activate within nine days. Validators must update before the deadline to maintain compatibility with the network.
Any node running older software will lose communication with updated nodes after activation. This requirement has triggered discussion about validator influence and consensus stability.
Schwartz rejected the idea of a simple voting system where each node has equal weight. He explained that such a model would allow manipulation through large numbers of fake nodes.
He described this risk as a Sybil attack, where actors deploy multiple nodes to influence outcomes. Therefore, XRPL relies on trusted validator lists instead of raw node counts.
Validator consensus and XRP price movement
Schwartz clarified that the validator majority does not directly determine which chain survives after a split. He explained that the Unique Node List defines which validators each participant trusts.
He stated, “The validator split doesn’t matter,” and emphasized that each side only needs a functional UNL. Each group can maintain its own ledger stream if enough trusted validators exist.
He added that a division could produce separate networks with independent rules and codebases. “You’d also have two competing UNLs and two competing code distributions,” Schwartz said.
Meanwhile, market analysts tracked XRP price behavior during this technical transition period. Analyst Ali Martinez reported extended volatility compression using Bollinger Bands.
$XRP is ready for a big price move!
I'm tracking the tightest Bollinger Band squeeze on the XRP's 3-day chart in over a year. When volatility compresses this tightly, it’s a signal that a violent price expansion is approaching.
This current compression zone is a definitive… pic.twitter.com/TLBejKAl1D
— Ali Charts (@alicharts) May 18, 2026
He stated that XRP price has remained within tight bands for more than a year. This pattern often precedes a large directional move.
Martinez identified $1.50 as a key resistance level for bullish confirmation. He stated that a close above this level could push XRP toward $1.80.
He also warned that a drop below $1.29 would weaken the bullish structure. Such a move could send the price back toward the $1 support level.
At the time of reporting, XRP traded at $1.38 after pulling back from $1.50. The 24-hour range stayed between $1.37 and $1.40, with slightly higher trading volume.
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