Coinbase-backed Base has officially launched its highly anticipated Beryl upgrade on the Sepolia testnet, marking another major milestone in the network’s evolution. The upgrade is scheduled to go live on the mainnet on June 25 and introduces several important improvements aimed at making asset issuance easier, enhancing network efficiency, and improving the overall user experience.
Among the most notable additions is the introduction of B20, a native token standard that allows developers and institutions to issue digital assets directly at the protocol level rather than relying solely on traditional smart contracts.
Beryl Upgrade Brings Native Asset Issuance to Base
The centerpiece of the Beryl upgrade is the launch of B20, a protocol-level token standard designed to simplify the creation and management of digital assets on Base.
Unlike traditional ERC-20 tokens that operate through smart contracts deployed on the blockchain, B20 tokens are integrated directly into Base’s node software. This approach allows token functionality to run within the protocol itself, potentially improving efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Base says B20 remains fully compatible with existing ERC-20 infrastructure. Wallets, exchanges, indexers, and other ecosystem tools that currently support ERC-20 assets can work with B20 tokens without requiring major modifications.
The new standard also supports ERC-2612 permit functionality, enabling users to authorize transactions through signatures instead of separate approval transactions. This can improve convenience and reduce transaction friction for users.
Designed for Stablecoins and Regulated Assets
The B20 framework is built with flexibility in mind and includes a comprehensive Issuer Toolkit for developers and institutions.
Features include:
- Minting and burning controls
- Role-based permissions
- Optional supply caps
- Transfer restrictions
- Asset freezing capabilities
- Seizure functions for regulatory compliance
Base has also introduced a dedicated stablecoin model that supports six-decimal precision and customizable currency codes, making it easier for regulated issuers to launch compliant digital currencies.
According to the Base team, future upgrades may even allow issuers to pay network fees using their own B20 tokens rather than ETH.
Faster Withdrawals from Base to Ethereum
Another major improvement arriving with Beryl is a reduction in withdrawal times from Base back to Ethereum.
Historically, users faced a standard seven-day waiting period when moving assets from Base to Ethereum. With the Beryl upgrade, that period will be shortened to five days for the withdrawal route most users currently utilize.
This improvement builds upon technology introduced in Base’s previous Azul upgrade, which added Multiproofs—a system that combines Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) proofs with Zero-Knowledge proofs to enhance transaction verification and security.
While Multiproofs enabled potential withdrawals in as little as one day, widespread adoption remained limited due to the high computational cost of generating zero-knowledge proofs. Beryl focuses on optimizing the most commonly used withdrawal process, making the experience faster and more practical for everyday users.
Infrastructure Improvements Through Reth V2
The Beryl release also introduces Reth V2, the latest version of the Rust-based execution client powering Base’s infrastructure.
The update delivers several operational benefits, including:
- Lower storage requirements for nodes
- Improved efficiency for archive and full nodes
- Support for higher block gas limits
- Better scalability for RPC providers and sequencers
These enhancements are expected to strengthen Base’s ability to handle increased network activity while maintaining performance and reliability.
Base Accelerates Independent Development
The Beryl rollout arrives just weeks after the successful launch of the Azul upgrade, highlighting Base’s faster development cycle.
The company attributes this acceleration to its decision earlier this year to move away from relying entirely on Optimism’s shared OP Stack roadmap. By operating on its own unified technology stack, Base can introduce network upgrades more quickly and independently.
This strategy allows the network to respond faster to developer needs while continuing to build features tailored specifically for its ecosystem.
What Comes Next: The Cobalt Upgrade
Base is already preparing its next major upgrade, known as Cobalt, which is expected to launch in September.
The planned update is expected to introduce:
- Native account abstraction
- Protocol-level smart accounts
- Gas sponsorship capabilities
- Transaction batching
- Additional B20 enhancements
- Unified node architecture
These features could significantly improve usability for both developers and end users while further reducing friction in on-chain interactions.
Final Thoughts
The Beryl upgrade represents one of Base’s most significant technical improvements to date. By introducing the B20 native token standard, reducing withdrawal times, and enhancing infrastructure through Reth V2, Base is positioning itself as a more scalable and developer-friendly blockchain network.
As competition among Layer-2 networks continues to intensify, innovations like native asset issuance and improved user experience could help Base attract more developers, institutions, and stablecoin issuers in the months ahead.
With the mainnet launch scheduled for June 25, the crypto industry will be watching closely to see how the Beryl upgrade impacts adoption across the growing Base ecosystem.
