ZKsync Plans 2026 Deprecation of Original Ethereum ZK Rollup Lite

• ZKsync Lite, the first ZK rollup on Ethereum, will end operations in 2026 after fulfilling its innovative role.

• Users face no immediate disruptions, with safe fund access and ongoing withdrawals to Ethereum’s mainnet.

• Current bridged value stands under $50 million per DefiLlama data, contrasting with ZKsync Era’s $36.4 million TVL and higher activity.

Discover the ZKsync Lite deprecation details and its impact on Ethereum scaling. Learn how this sunset ensures seamless transitions for users in the evolving ZK ecosystem—stay informed on blockchain advancements today.

What is the ZKsync Lite Deprecation?

ZKsync Lite deprecation refers to the planned discontinuation of the original zero-knowledge rollup network on Ethereum in 2026. Developed by Matter Labs and launched in 2020, ZKsync Lite introduced fast transactions and NFT minting using validity proofs for efficient validation. This orderly sunset acknowledges its role in validating ZK production systems without affecting other ZKsync products or user funds.

How Does ZKsync Era Differ from ZKsync Lite?

ZKsync Era, launched in early 2023, represents a significant upgrade with full zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) support for smart contracts, enabling complex decentralized applications. Unlike ZKsync Lite, which focused on basic transfers and lacked programmability, Era handles advanced DeFi and NFT functionalities. According to L2BEAT data, Era processes over 22,000 user operations daily compared to Lite’s 330, while DefiLlama reports $36.4 million in total value locked for Era versus under $50 million bridged to Lite. Matter Labs halted Lite development to prioritize Era, ensuring scalability and security in Ethereum’s layer-2 landscape. Experts note this shift aligns with institutional demands for robust privacy tools, as highlighted by ZKsync developers in recent discussions.

ZKsync says the first Ethereum zero-knowledge rollup blockchain will have an “orderly sunset” next year, as it has served its purpose.

ZKsync Lite, the first-ever zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup network to launch on Ethereum, will be deprecated next year, its team says, as it has fulfilled its purpose.

“In 2026, we plan to deprecate ZKsync Lite (aka ZKsync 1.0), the original ZK-rollup we launched on Ethereum,” ZKsync wrote to X on Sunday. “This is a planned, orderly sunset for a system that has served its purpose and does not affect any other ZKsync systems.”

It added that ZKsync Lite “was a groundbreaking proof-of-concept and validated critical ideas related to building production ZK systems.”

“It did its job: prove what’s possible and pave the way for the next generation.”

Technology company Matter Labs launched ZKsync Lite in 2020, designing it for fast transfers and minting non-fungible tokens (NFTs). However, it didn’t support smart contracts, which limited its use.

Source: ZKsync

The network was the first to use validity proofs that instantly proved if a transaction was valid, before transactions were bundled up and sent to the Ethereum mainnet for final validation.

Matter Labs stopped development on ZKsync Lite in early 2023 after launching its zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) that supported smart contracts, ZKsync Era.

ZKsync said that no immediate action was required from ZKsync Lite users, and the network is operating as usual. “Funds remain safe, and withdrawals to L1 will keep working through the process,” it added.

Its other products are similarly unaffected, and the team said it would share “concrete details, dates, and migration guidance soon” for ZKsync Lite.

Just under $50 million is currently bridged to the network, according to DefiLlama, but L2BEAT data shows it has only seen just over 330 user operations in the past day.

By comparison, DefiLlama shows ZKsync Era has a total value locked in decentralized finance of $36.4 million, with L2BEAT showing it has seen over 22,000 user operations over the past day.

The ZKsync blockchain may undergo further changes. Last month, co-creator Alex Gluchowski proposed overhauling its ZKsync (ZK) governance token to prioritize “economic utility,” tying the token to the network’s fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does ZKsync Lite Deprecation Mean for Users?

The ZKsync Lite deprecation involves a controlled shutdown in 2026, ensuring no disruption to current operations. Users can continue transacting normally, with all funds secured and withdrawals to Ethereum Layer 1 fully functional throughout the transition. Matter Labs emphasizes this as a proof-of-concept closure, with detailed migration plans forthcoming to support seamless shifts to ZKsync Era.

Why Is ZKsync Lite Being Deprecated in 2026?

ZKsync Lite is being deprecated because it has successfully demonstrated core zero-knowledge rollup principles on Ethereum since its 2020 launch. Lacking smart contract capabilities, it paved the way for more versatile solutions like ZKsync Era. This sunset allows resources to focus on advanced features, maintaining Ethereum’s scaling efficiency without impacting overall ecosystem stability.

Key Takeaways

• Orderly Transition: ZKsync Lite’s 2026 deprecation ensures minimal disruption, with safe fund handling and no effect on ZKsync Era or other systems.
• Innovation Legacy: As the first ZK rollup, Lite validated validity proofs and fast transactions, influencing modern layer-2 developments per Matter Labs’ insights.
• Future Focus: Users should prepare for migration guidance; explore ZKsync Era for enhanced DeFi and smart contract capabilities to stay ahead in blockchain evolution.

Conclusion

The ZKsync Lite deprecation marks a pivotal evolution in Ethereum’s zero-knowledge ecosystem, honoring its foundational role while advancing toward scalable solutions like ZKsync Era. With under $50 million bridged and low daily operations, this sunset redirects innovation without compromising security. As ZK technologies mature, stakeholders can anticipate robust governance updates, such as token utility enhancements proposed by co-creator Alex Gluchowski, fostering long-term Ethereum layer-2 growth—monitor official announcements for migration steps to optimize your involvement.