Key Points
- MATIC to POL Upgrade Scheduled for September 4th: Polygon’s transition from MATIC to POL, marking a significant upgrade in its network, will officially occur on September 4th, 2024.
- POL as the New Native Token: POL will replace MATIC as the gas and staking token on Polygon’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network.
- No Immediate Action Required for Most Users: MATIC holders on Polygon PoS won’t need to take any action during this upgrade, though some MATIC holders on Ethereum and Polygon zkEVM may need to migrate their tokens to POL.
Polygon, the blockchain platform known for its high-performance network, is preparing for one of its biggest upgrades yet. On September 4th, 2024, the long-anticipated upgrade from MATIC to POL will take place.
POL, introduced as an upgrade to MATIC, is more than just a token swap. It represents Polygon’s evolution as an aggregated blockchain network, designed to power the next generation of decentralized applications and services. This transition is expected to reinforce Polygon’s position in the blockchain ecosystem, offering enhanced utility and security.
The upcoming September 4th mainnet upgrade will see POL replace MATIC as the native gas and staking token on the Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network.
What This Means For MATIC Holders
For MATIC holders on the Polygon PoS network, the transition to POL will be seamless. The upgrade will happen automatically, with no action required from users. However, those holding MATIC on Ethereum, Polygon zkEVM, or through centralized exchanges (CEXes) might need to take steps to ensure their tokens are upgraded. The migration contract deployed by Polygon Labs allows for a permissionless upgrade of MATIC to POL on Ethereum, providing flexibility for users to migrate their tokens when they are ready.
As POL takes over as the gas and staking token, it will immediately serve as the backbone of the Polygon PoS network’s security. Every transaction on the network will now utilize POL, aligning with the community-driven vision for Polygon’s future.
Moreover, POL’s utility is set to expand beyond the Polygon PoS network, eventually playing a key role in the broader Polygon ecosystem, including the upcoming AggLayer and staking hub initiatives.
Most Exchanges Will Automatically Support The Transition
In preparation for this major upgrade, a testnet migration went live on July 17th, providing a dress rehearsal to ensure a smooth transition on the mainnet. This test phase has allowed developers and users to identify and resolve potential issues, minimizing disruptions when the mainnet upgrade occurs.
Polygon Labs has provided detailed guidance for various stakeholders, including developers, DeFi protocols, and MATIC holders on different networks. The aim is to ensure that all participants are well-prepared for the transition and that the network continues to operate smoothly post-upgrade.
Exchanges like Coinbase have already provided users communications about the change. Coinbase plans to support the migration from MATIC to POL, and starting September 10, the MATIC asset ticker for Polygon PoS will be replaced with POL across applicable surfaces on Coinbase.
Coinbase also announced that they will also support POL on the Ethereum network starting on September 4.
Final Thoughts
The MATIC to POL upgrade is a significant milestone for Polygon and its users. As the blockchain landscape evolves, Polygon is positioning itself to remain a leader, with POL at the heart of its future.
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