The upgrade—called Alpenglow—isn’t a sidechain or Layer 2 workaround. Instead, it’s a deep redesign of how Solana processes and confirms transactions at the protocol level. The result? Finality now drops from 12 seconds to just 150 milliseconds.
That’s not just an improvement—it’s a transformation. Solana goes from a fast blockchain to something closer to real-time internet infrastructure. The difference is instantly noticeable: no more spinning wheels, failed NFT buys, or laggy on-chain games. With Alpenglow, Web3 starts to feel like Web2.
From Blockchain Speed to Real-Time Performance
Before Alpenglow, Solana used a system called Proof of History to sequence transactions. While innovative, it left room for latency—users had to wait up to 12 seconds to be sure their transaction was final. That delay could create issues for anything requiring real-time interaction, from games to high-frequency trading.
Alpenglow replaces that system with a faster, more seamless method for reaching consensus. It’s not an add-on or external solution; it’s baked into the chain. This upgrade shrinks finality down to just 150 milliseconds—faster than the blink of an eye.
1/ Introducing the largest Solana Protocol change ever: Alpenglow, Solana’s new consensus protocol conceived by the Anza Research team. Say goodbye to Tower BFT and Proof of History. Say hello to Votor & Rotor
pic.twitter.com/KPNQxQ1jBg
— Anza (@anza_xyz) May 19, 2025
To put that in context, even leading Web2 services like Visa or PayPal settle transactions in roughly 1–2 seconds. With Alpenglow, Solana is now competitive with those speeds—while remaining fully decentralized.
What This Unlocks for Users and Developers
Alpenglow opens the door for truly interactive and reliable decentralized apps. Picture bidding in a live auction without lag. Or playing an on-chain game that doesn’t freeze mid-turn. Or buying an NFT without praying the transaction fails. These are no longer hopes—they’re expectations.
It also positions Solana as the only Layer 1 blockchain ready for high-frequency, real-world apps. In a time when many chains rely on Layer 2s to scale, Solana’s core protocol just leveled up—without sacrificing decentralization or security.
4/ Check out the blog and whitepaper by @TheWattenhofer, @DiscoKobi and @qkniep: https://t.co/LkKgfKm6K4
— Anza (@anza_xyz) May 19, 2025
Take on-chain gaming, for example. In 2025, the sector has surged, with platforms like Aurory and Star Atlas pushing boundaries. These games demand real-time responsiveness. With Alpenglow, Solana can meet that demand natively—no extra layers required.
Disclaimer
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