The OP_CAT proposal for Bitcoin may change the Bitcoin blockchain

Media reports suggest that the Bitcoin blockchain could undergo significant changes in 2026 due to the introduction of the Runes protocol and OP_CAT proposal. On April 19, during Bitcoin's fourth halving, the Runes protocol was launched with an aim to more efficiently generate native Bitcoin tokens. Within two days of its launch, over 7,000 Runes tokens were minted and currently there are over 91,000 with transaction fees reaching $4.5 million. The Runes protocol not only drove token generation but also promoted liquidity staking, investment activities, second-layer expansion and DeFi innovation. However, Runes is just a part of BTCFi revolution. It is expected that by 2025 the passed OP_CAT proposal will re-enable Bitcoin smart contract functionality allowing for creation of conditions and rules thus opening up possibilities for second layer development and smart contracts among others.