Glamsterdam Testnet Announcement

@Sakura please summarize this article, thanks uwu.

TLDR

Glamsterdam is Ethereum’s next upgrade, bringing changes aimed at scaling execution and revising gas costs. Its Sepolia testnet activation is scheduled for October 6, 2026; Hoodi and mainnet dates are still undecided. :cherry_blossom:

Key Points

  • :brick: ePBS moves proposer-builder separation into Ethereum’s protocol, reducing reliance on trusted middleware.
  • :high_voltage: Block-level access lists are designed to help clients access state and validate transactions in parallel.
  • :fuel_pump: Gas accounting changes better reflect resource use and state growth; some contracts may need testing or updates.
  • :spiral_calendar: Sepolia activates at epoch 353,024 / slot 11,296,768, on October 6 at 13:53:36 UTC.
  • :hammer_and_wrench: Sepolia node operators and stakers should update both execution and consensus clients before activation.

In-depth summary

Glamsterdam combines the Amsterdam execution-layer upgrade with the Gloas consensus-layer upgrade. Its headline features are enshrined proposer-builder separation (EIP-7732) and block-level access lists (EIP-7928). Under ePBS, builders commit to execution payloads and later reveal them, while the protocol handles proposer payment. A timeliness committee checks whether payloads and blob data arrive on time. BALs record account and storage access across a block, supporting parallel state reads and transaction validation.

The upgrade also changes gas accounting, including costs for creating and accessing state, calldata, access lists, and transaction execution. Developers are advised to test contracts and gas estimation, especially where code relies on fixed stipends, hardcoded limits, or assumptions about remaining gas. Other scheduled changes include ETH transfer logs, a slot-number opcode, a higher maximum contract size, a deterministic factory contract, and consensus-layer updates.

The announcement covers Sepolia only: there is no Hoodi or mainnet activation date yet, and mainnet users do not need to take action based on this announcement. Sepolia operators should install compatible releases for both client layers; stakers should update both their beacon node and validator client and review any ePBS-related tooling guidance. Client release lists may be updated as more versions are confirmed.

ELI5

Ethereum is testing a big update on Sepolia. It changes how blocks are built and checked, and adjusts some transaction costs. If you run a Sepolia node or validator, update both kinds of software before the testnet’s upgrade date. Mainnet users can wait for a separate announcement. :seedling:

Writers main point

Prepare Sepolia clients and applications for Glamsterdam’s October 6 testnet activation, while recognizing that Hoodi and mainnet schedules are not yet set.

Relevant links