Ethereum is set to reclaim its foundational principles of self-sovereignty and trustlessness in 2026, with significant advancements in node operation and privacy. The introduction of ZK-EVM and BAL will simplify running full nodes locally, enhancing user control over the Ethereum chain. Additionally, Helios will enable users to verify RPC data independently, while ORAM and PIR technologies will allow private data requests without revealing access patterns. The ecosystem will also see improvements in wallet security and privacy. Social recovery wallets and timelocks will protect users from losing funds due to misplaced seed phrases or unauthorized access. Privacy features will be enhanced with ERC-4337 mempool and native AA + FOCIL, facilitating private transactions without relying on public broadcasters. Furthermore, application UIs will leverage IPFS for decentralized access, reducing dependency on centralized servers and enhancing security. These developments mark a shift away from previous compromises in Ethereum's values, aiming to restore its decentralized ethos and strengthen its position as a leading blockchain platform.