Ethereum to Enhance Parallel Processing and Privacy Features in Major 2026 Upgrade

On December 26, Ethereum (ETH) developers announced plans for two protocol upgrades scheduled for 2026, named 'Glamsterdam' and 'Hegota'. Each upgrade has distinct goals and will be implemented in stages, in line with the biannual upgrade policy. Glamsterdam, set for around May 2026, focuses on enhancing network throughput and validator efficiency. The introduction of block access lists will enable parallel processing of multiple transactions, similar to the parallel processing seen in Solana.