The Maxwell hard fork in the BNB Chain network has reduced the average block creation time from 1.5 to 0.8 seconds, significantly enhancing the platform’s speed and scalability.
This is reported by Business • Media
Key Changes After the Maxwell Update
On June 30, 2025, a major update named Maxwell was activated in the BNB Smart Chain network. As a result, the average block processing time was nearly halved—from 1.5 to 0.8 seconds. This was made possible by the implementation of three main proposals—BEP-524, BEP-563, and BEP-564—aimed at improving scalability, optimizing validator interactions, and enhancing data synchronization within the network.
Within the update:
- BEP-524 completed a series of measures to reduce block time, initiated in April with the Lorentz update.
- BEP-563 introduced optimized block exchange mechanisms among validators, reducing the risk of missed votes.
- BEP-564 added new message types (GetBlocksByRangeMsg and RangeBlocksMsg) for faster synchronization.
“The project team emphasized that most issues arising after the hard fork will be related not to the network itself but to unprepared code.”
Developers were advised to adapt their decentralized applications to the new conditions, particularly paying attention to the change in block intervals in the logic and timers of their applications.
Impact on Users and the Market
Thanks to the Maxwell hard fork, users can conduct transactions significantly faster, while developers can create more responsive dApps. The update has also positively impacted interactions with DeFi protocols, as the reduction in delays allows for quicker processing of real-time financial transactions.
In the wake of the update’s launch, the BNB token rose by more than 6% within a week. At the time of the hard fork activation, its price was approximately $657; however, the asset is still trading 17% below its all-time high reached in December 2024 ($788).
Additionally, earlier, Nano Labs announced the issuance of convertible bonds worth $500 million. These funds will be used to build the company’s treasury in BNB coins.