Ethereum is set to experience a significant transformation in 2026 as it shifts its validation mechanism to ZK (zero-knowledge) proofs, a change comparable to the network's previous transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. This upgrade is expected to enhance the Ethereum Virtual Machine's efficiency, increasing Layer 1 throughput from 30 transactions per second (TPS) to 10,000 TPS. Initial adopters will begin verifying ZK proofs per block, with 10% of validators anticipated to adopt this method by late 2026. Justin Drake demonstrated that even older laptops can verify ZK proofs, highlighting the accessibility of this technology. Gary Schulte noted that zk-rollup tasks will be delegated to builders and provers, allowing validators to perform lightweight checks. Ethereum is currently in Phase 0 of this transition, with Phase 1 scheduled to commence in 2026 and full ZK execution expected by 2027.