ZKsync has announced plans to deprecate ZKsync Lite, the original zero-knowledge rollup launched on Ethereum in 2020, by 2026. This move marks a significant shift in the Layer 2 scaling landscape as the team consolidates its focus on newer technologies.
What is ZKsync Lite?
ZKsync Lite, originally known as ZKsync 1.0, went live in June 2020 as a payments-focused Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution. It supported token transfers, atomic swaps, and NFT minting but lacked smart contract functionality, which limited its utility compared to more advanced rollup designs. According to ZKsync, this system served as a groundbreaking proof-of-concept that validated critical ideas for building production ZK systems on Ethereum.
Why the Deprecation?
In a post on X, ZKsync stated, "This is a planned, orderly sunset for a system that has served its purpose and does not affect any other ZKsync systems." The team will share concrete details, dates, and migration guidance in the coming year. Funds remain safe, with withdrawals to Layer 1 continuing to work throughout the process. Data from L2BEAT shows approximately $50 million in user funds still bridged to ZKsync Lite, though the network now processes fewer than 200 daily operations.
Transition to ZKsync Era and Beyond
Matter Labs, the company behind ZKsync, halted active development on ZKsync Lite in March 2023 when it launched ZKsync Era, a full-featured zkEVM capable of running arbitrary smart contracts. This was hailed as the "Holy Grail of scaling Ethereum," allowing developers to port existing applications without sacrificing security. ZKsync emphasized that the deprecation does not impact its other products, with future steps focusing on systems built with the ZK Stack, Prividiums, and the broader ZKsync network.
Current Challenges for ZKsync
The announcement comes during a challenging period for ZKsync. The network recently sunset its Ignite liquidity rewards program due to bearish market conditions, and the Aave DAO is considering deprecating its deployment on ZKsync Era because of low revenue generation. These developments highlight the evolving competitive pressures in the Layer 2 space.
As ZKsync phases out its pioneering rollup, the crypto community watches closely to see how this transition will shape the future of Ethereum scaling and zero-knowledge technology.
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