Stacks 4.0 hard fork scheduled for July 29 at Bitcoin block 960,230, introducing Clarity 6 and Bitcoin Stacking.
Tech & Launches ·
Stacks is scheduled to execute a hard fork targeting Bitcoin block 960,230 on July 29, which will introduce Clarity 6 and Bitcoin Stacking to the network. The upgrade marks a significant step in the project's evolution as a smart contract layer anchored to Bitcoin's security and settlement.
Clarity 6 represents an update to the network's programming language, while Bitcoin Stacking enables holders to earn yield on their BTC through the Stacks protocol without transferring custody. The hard fork codifies these changes at a specific block height, requiring network participants to upgrade their clients to remain in consensus.
Key implementation details—including the exact mechanism by which Bitcoin Stacking will function, anticipated performance improvements, and whether any breaking changes will affect existing applications—have not been disclosed in the available material. The timeline and technical specifications have been announced, but broader ecosystem readiness and potential risks remain to be assessed as the activation date approaches.