What to Know
- PI fell around 1.4% to near $0.211, underperforming the broader crypto market despite recent gains.
- Ongoing token unlocks, with over 131M PI expected this month, are adding selling pressure.
- Optimism around upgrades is being offset by frustration over unclear plans for 2026.
Pi Network slipped again over the past 24 hours, falling around 1.38% to trade near $0.211. While the broader crypto market moved up. The drop comes as traders react to a mix of price resistance, growing token supply, and mixed feelings about the project’s future plans.
Price Pullback After Short Rally
Over the last week, PI had climbed nearly 5%, giving some holders hope that a short-term recovery was underway. However, that move lost steam once the price reached the $0.22 area. This level acted as a ceiling, where many traders decided to lock in profits instead of holding on.
In simple terms, PI rose too quickly in a short time. When that happens, people who bought earlier often sell to secure gains. As selling increased, the price started to slip back down. Right now, the next important area to watch is around $0.20. This level has strong emotional value for traders, and a drop below it could increase fear and further selling.
Token Unlocks Add Pressure
On January 2, around 6 million PI tokens were unlocked. More importantly, about 131 million PI are expected to be released over the next 30 days.
When new tokens enter circulation, it means there are more coins available to sell. If demand does not grow at the same pace, prices usually struggle. This has been seen with PI before. In December 2025, a large token unlock was followed by a sharp price drop of around 14%. While daily unlocks are expected to slow down after mid-January, the near-term concern remains. Many holders worry that continued releases could limit any strong recovery in the price.
Mixed Feelings Around the Ecosystem
Sentiment around Pi Network is currently divided. On the positive side, the team recently rolled out the v23 protocol upgrade. Supporters see this as an important step toward making the network more useful, with faster performance and better tools for developers. Plans around decentralized exchanges and app growth have also created optimism among long-term believers.
However, this optimism is clashing with growing frustration from parts of the community. A recent update from the core team focused heavily on achievements from 2025 but offered very little detail about clear goals or timelines for 2026. For many investors, this lack of clarity has raised doubts.
One community member summed up the frustration bluntly, saying that years of hype, delays, and vague plans have damaged trust. According to this view, markets do not reward promises or dreams; they respond to clear action and results.
Long-Term Progress
Looking back, 2025 was an important year for Pi Network. The launch of its Open Network allowed greater connectivity and real-world use. The ecosystem expanded into areas like app creation, gaming, and even early experiments with AI-related tools. Millions of users completed identity checks and moved onto the main network, showing strong community participation.
The project also invested in startups, improved its node system, and supported developers through hackathons and testing environments. These are meaningful steps for long-term growth.
Still, the market today is focused on what comes next. Without clear targets for 2026, many traders remain cautious. This uncertainty is reflected in the price, which continues to lag behind the broader crypto market.
What Comes Next?
For now, PI coin price prediction reflects a mix of short-term selling pressure and long-term questions. Holding above the $0.20 level will be key in the coming days. A successful launch of planned ecosystem tools, such as a decentralized exchange, could help restore confidence if execution matches expectations.
Until then, PI remains under pressure, caught between ongoing development progress and a market that is demanding clearer direction and delivery.
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