ZKsync Lite, recognized as the pioneering zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup network on Ethereum, is set to be phased out in 2026. The team behind it has announced this decision, noting that the network has successfully completed its intended purpose. In a recent update on X, ZKsync stated, "In 2026, we plan to deprecate ZKsync Lite (aka ZKsync 1.0), the original ZK-rollup we launched on Ethereum. This is a planned, orderly sunset for a system that has served its purpose and does not affect any other ZKsync systems." They further explained that ZKsync Lite was a revolutionary proof-of-concept that validated key ideas for building operational ZK systems. "It did its job: prove what’s possible and pave the way for the next generation," the team elaborated.
Created by Matter Labs in 2020, ZKsync Lite was designed to facilitate quick transfers and the minting of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), although it lacked support for smart contracts, which restricted its broader application. The network was notable for being the first to utilize validity proofs, which immediately confirmed the validity of transactions before they were aggregated and sent to the Ethereum mainnet for final validation.
Development on ZKsync Lite ceased in early 2023, following the launch of the zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) called ZKsync Era, which includes smart contract support. The ZKsync team has assured users that no immediate actions are necessary, and that the network continues to function normally. They emphasized that "Funds remain safe, and withdrawals to L1 will keep working through the process." Additionally, they promised to provide "concrete details, dates, and migration guidance soon" regarding ZKsync Lite.
While just under $50 million is currently bridged to ZKsync Lite, data from L2BEAT indicates that the network has only processed slightly over 330 user operations in the last 24 hours. In contrast, ZKsync Era boasts a total value locked of $36.4 million and has recorded over 22,000 user operations within the same period.
This transition comes amidst potential shifts within the blockchain landscape. Last month, Alex Gluchowski, co-creator of ZKsync, proposed significant changes to the ZKsync governance token. The proposal aims to enhance the token's "economic utility," linking it more closely to the network's fee structure.