Bitcoin Core v30 Expands OP_RETURN Limit to 4MB
- Bitcoin Core upgrades OP_RETURN to 4MB.
- Increased data storage reshapes its blockchain use.
- Contentious changes prompt market and community reactions.
The expanded OP_RETURN limit could fundamentally alter Bitcoin’s blockchain use, sparking varied reactions from developers and investors.
Major Update in Bitcoin Core
Bitcoin Core’s version 30 update, set for October 2025, will dramatically increase the OP_RETURN data limit to nearly 4MB. This change ends a protracted developer debate over blockchain data usage. Core developers led by Antoine Poinsot were central to this decision, facing criticism from figures like Bitcoin advocate Jimmy Song. Concerns cited include blockchain bloat and increased on-chain spam.
Expanded Data Storage Possibilities
The decision allows enhanced data storage possibilities on Bitcoin’s blockchain, possibly impacting its ecosystem and liquidity. Antoine Poinsot, a core developer, stated, “The expanded OP_RETURN limit will enable groundbreaking use cases on the Bitcoin blockchain.” Consequences include emerging applications like on-chain data storage and decentralized identities, potentially affecting market dynamics and liquidity patterns.
Community Reactions
Developers and communities express mixed responses. Some see the potential for innovation and expanded use cases, while others predict negative impacts such as centralization risks and increased blockchain bloat, resulting in alternative solutions gaining momentum. Jimmy Song, voicing a critical stance, highlighted, “It would worsen UTXO bloat by enabling more on-chain spam.”
Long-term Effects on Bitcoin
The expansion of data capacity and potentially increased data load may reshape Bitcoin’s utility and competitive landscape. Developers and market participants remain divided over its long-term effects on blockchain architecture and decentralized application development.
