Stellar Protocol 23 Upgrade Set to Boost Smart Contracts and Fuel XLM Price Rally

Stellar (XLM)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Key Takeaways:

  • Protocol 23 boosts Stellar’s smart contract and consensus performance.
  • PayPal’s PYUSD integration signals rising institutional confidence.
  • XLM could rally over 80%, with long-term targets above $8.00.

The Stellar Development Foundation has officially introduced Protocol 23, a significant network upgrade poised to enhance smart contract efficiency, scalability, and validator flexibility. The upgrade includes eight Core Advancement Proposals (CAPs) and is scheduled for a mainnet vote on August 26, 2025.

Major Smart Contract and Ledger Enhancements

Protocol 23 brings a notable overhaul to Stellar’s smart contract performance. By shifting contract state storage to RAM and adding a module cache, execution costs are substantially reduced. Developers also benefit from new host functions, including contract executable getters and improved data conversion tools, streamlining application development.

A key highlight is the introduction of token interface events across all value transfer operations. This improves transparency and simplifies integration with external systems. On the ledger side, performance sees a significant boost with automatic restoration of archived entries and improved throughput via parallel execution.

Improved Consensus for Lower Latency

The Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) also sees a meaningful upgrade. Validators can now modify network configuration parameters, enabling lower ledger latency and paving the way for faster transaction confirmations. This makes Stellar more adaptive and future-ready for high-volume use cases.

Strategic Partnerships and Bullish Price Outlook

In line with its technical progress, Stellar has also secured major strategic partnerships. Most notably, PayPal integrated its stablecoin PYUSD on the Stellar blockchain, citing its low fees and efficient infrastructure—further boosting network utility and credibility.

Stellar Price Chart - CMC Data
Source: CMC Data

Meanwhile, XLM, Stellar’s native token, has surged over 75% in the past month, currently trading at $0.4179. Analysts remain bullish. Javon Marks forecasts a potential rally to $0.79, with long-term projections exceeding $8.00 if breakout conditions are met. Veteran trader Peter Brandt has echoed similar optimism, citing strong technical charts.

Stellar’s Protocol 23 Introduces 8 Key Upgrades Ahead of August Vote — XLM Eyes Price Breakout
Source: Javon Marks

With Protocol 23 enhancing the network’s performance and developer capabilities, and with institutional interest growing, Stellar is strategically positioned for expansion. If market momentum holds, XLM could see further significant upside in the coming months.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses

Also Read: Stellar (XLM) Faces Key Test as Price Slips Toward $0.40