Few things in crypto attract attention quite like a major upgrade. Kaspa has now reached that moment with the launch of smart contracts through the Kasplex Layer 2. This upgrade is more than a technical milestone. It positions Kaspa to compete with Ethereum and Solana while staying true to its proof-of-work foundation.
The new release introduces EVM compatibility, meaning developers who already work on Ethereum can deploy their apps on Kaspa without starting from scratch. It also brings ZK rollups, KRC-20 tokens, and microtransaction support, all designed to make the network faster, more flexible, and more scalable. With over 1,000 transactions per second already demonstrated on testnet, Kaspa looks ready to handle serious on-chain activity.
This combination of speed, low fees, and security is the type of foundation that has historically helped projects like Solana or Polygon expand rapidly. The question is how this could translate into KAS price performance.
What you'll learn 👉
Why The Smart Contract Launch Matters For Kaspa Price
Upgrades of this scale often act as turning points. By allowing DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and DAOs to run on Kaspa, the project is opening the door to entire ecosystems that were previously out of reach. Developers looking for cheaper, faster, and MEV-resistant alternatives to Ethereum may see Kaspa as an attractive option.
This does not just bring new apps. It also brings new users, higher liquidity, and more reasons to hold or use KAS. Historically, projects that combine technical breakthroughs with growing developer adoption have seen stronger price cycles. Ethereum’s move to smart contracts in 2015 is the clearest example, and Solana’s explosive rise in 2021 offers a more recent parallel.
Current Market Position Of KAS
At the time of writing, KAS price is around $0.08 with a market capitalization above $2 billion. This places it among mid-cap cryptos that already have a solid community and network activity. Daily transactions even surpassed 1.9 million in September 2025, highlighting that the blockchain is already operating at scale before this smart contract layer goes live.
The upgrade also lines up with Kaspa’s halving cycle. Similar to Bitcoin, halvings reduce token emissions, often drawing more attention to scarcity. Combining reduced supply with expanded utility creates the type of setup that could move KAS price significantly in the coming years.
AI Prediction Scenarios For KAS Price In 2026
We asked ChatGPT to make KAS price prediction in 2026 following the smart contract launch. The results point to three scenarios: pessimistic, neutral, and optimistic. Each depends on how adoption unfolds and how the market reacts.
Pessimistic Scenario ($0.2)
If adoption is slower than expected, competition from Ethereum, Solana, and newer blockchains could weigh on growth. KAS could still revisit its all-time high of around $0.2. While this may feel underwhelming for some investors, it would still represent more than double today’s price.
Neutral Scenario ($0.5)
If Kaspa captures moderate adoption across DeFi, NFTs, and gaming, KAS price could reach around $0.5 in 2026. This level would reflect steady progress, developer traction, and growing transaction volume, but not yet a full breakout comparable to Solana’s peak runs.
Optimistic Scenario ($1–$2)
If Kasplex Layer 2 succeeds in attracting a wave of projects, and if Kaspa proves its performance advantage over Solana while maintaining Bitcoin-level security, KAS could move toward the $1 to $2 range. That would push its market cap closer to major players in the smart contract space. This path depends on consistent technical execution, strong developer migration, and a broader bullish crypto market in 2026.
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Smart contracts are are the bridge between a blockchain being a fast payment network and becoming a full ecosystem. Kaspa is now at that stage. Whether developers embrace it quickly or take time to migrate will be key for KAS price performance.
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