Prediction: Ethereum Will Hit $4,000 in 2026

Core Viewpoint - Ethereum is currently priced at approximately $3,150, significantly lower than its all-time highs, but is expected to reach $4,000 by 2026 due to necessary technical improvements and the continued importance of the chain in the crypto-financial system [1]. Group 1: Price Prediction and Catalysts - The prediction of Ethereum reaching $4,000 is based on a few technical improvements and the chain's central role in the crypto ecosystem [1]. - Upcoming upgrades are expected to enhance Ethereum's scaling capacity, improve transaction execution efficiency, and introduce new technical infrastructure for future enhancements [5][6]. Group 2: Upcoming Upgrades - The first upgrade, Glamsterdam, is set to launch in the first half of 2026, following the major upgrades of 2025, Pectra and Fusaka, which focused on traffic handling and gas fee management [6]. - A second upgrade, Hegota, is planned for the second half of 2026, further focusing on scaling improvements [6]. Group 3: Impact of Upgrades - The optimistic scenario suggests that the launch of Glamsterdam will lead to increased usage of decentralized finance (DeFi) services, attracting more developers and financial institutions, thereby increasing capital inflow [7]. - However, while these upgrades will enhance the technical foundation of Ethereum, they may not directly drive the price to $4,000; the focus is on preparing for significant future feature additions [8][9].