XRPL Labs has launched native smart contracts on the XRP Ledger's AlphaNet, marking a significant milestone as the ledger now supports Layer-1 smart contract capabilities. This development allows developers to test decentralized applications directly on the XRP Ledger, which boasts a 99.999% uptime. The new framework facilitates multi-language development and on-chain ABIs, paving the way for innovations such as cross-chain bridges, DeFi protocols, and NFT trading rules. The first extension, 'Smart Escrows,' is anticipated to debut in Q1 2026.