Ethereum's transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) is imminent, and Infura's Ethereum API is fully prepared. This guide outlines how Infura users can get ready for this landmark upgrade.
When Will the Merge to Proof-of-Stake Occur?
The Ethereum Merge is scheduled to occur at Terminal Total Difficulty (TTD) 5875000000000000000, as agreed upon during the August 18, 2022, Ethereum core developers' call. Based on current hash rates, the Merge is estimated to take place between September 15–16, though the exact timing depends on when TTD is reached.
What Is the Merge?
The Merge refers to Ethereum's planned upgrade that combines the existing execution layer with the Beacon Chain (EIP 3675), transitioning consensus from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
Actions for DApp and Smart Contract Developers
Infura's Ethereum API will continue functioning seamlessly post-Merge. Most users won’t experience disruptions, but key changes include:
Ethereum Block Structure
- Block Timing: Blocks will be produced every 12 seconds (down from 12–14 seconds).
- Opcodes: The
DIFFICULTYopcode (0x44) will be renamedPREVRANDAOand repurposed to provide consensus-layer outputs. - On-Chain Randomness: Smart contracts relying on
0x44for pseudo-randomness must adhere to EIP-4399. - Block Finality: New API parameters (
safe,finalized) will replacelatest(deprecated) andunsafe.
Testnets
Infura supports Goerli and Sepolia as primary testnets post-Merge. Legacy testnets (Ropsten, Rinkeby, Kovan) will be deprecated.
👉 Deploy smart contracts to Goerli for testing
Implications for L2 and Sidechain Developers
Compatible L2s/sidechains (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism) have migrated testnets to Goerli. No action is required for chains like Polygon with independent testnets.
Beware of scams: Claims about "migrating L2 tokens for ETH 2.0" are fraudulent.
Infura’s Merge Preparations
Infura has:
- Participated in Ropsten/Sepolia/Goerli testnet Merges.
- Updated client software and JSON-RPC methods.
- Revised documentation and community outreach.
- Engaged in Ethereum Foundation coordination calls.
For detailed FAQs, visit:
👉 Infura’s Merge Developer FAQ
FAQ Section
Q: Will existing smart contracts break post-Merge?
A: Most contracts will function unchanged. Only those relying on PoW-specific opcodes (e.g., DIFFICULTY) require updates per EIP-4399.
Q: How do I test my DApp pre-Merge?
A: Use Goerli testnet. Infura provides dedicated endpoints for L2s like Optimism.
Q: Is Infura’s API downtime expected during the Merge?
A: No. Infura ensures uninterrupted service with backward-compatible updates.
For further reading, explore Ethereum’s official Merge page.