The Pi Network has introduced a series of updates to its Pi App Studio at the start of 2026, directed at expanding access to app creation and increasing the use of Pi within applications built on its ecosystem.
The updates include simplified payment integration, an ad-supported option for deploying apps, and a community feedback initiative designed to guide future development of the platform.
Payments Integration Added for App Creators
One of the main changes is the addition of in-app payment support within Pi App Studio. The feature allows creators to integrate Pi-based payments into their applications without writing code. Payments are currently limited to Test-Pi and apply only within active app sessions, such as purchasing items or unlocking features during a single use.
The company said the feature removes technical barriers that previously required developer-level knowledge, even as Pi Network has worked to reduce integration complexity through developer tools. Persistent purchases across sessions are not yet supported, but the framework is intended to prepare apps for future mainnet-enabled payments.
Ad-Supported App Deployment Expands Access
Pi App Studio has also introduced an option that allows creators to deploy app iterations by watching advertisements instead of paying Pi. This feature is aimed at users who are not yet migrated to the mainnet or who have limited Pi balances.
According to Pi Network, ad revenue does not cover the full cost of app generation and server deployment, but is being used as a subsidy to lower barriers to participation while limiting spam and misuse. The company noted the feature could be adjusted or removed in the future depending on economic sustainability.
Alongside the technical updates, Pi Network has launched a community-wide event inviting users to provide feedback on existing App Studio applications through a survey. Responses are intended to help identify useful apps and inform future improvements to the platform’s tools and features.
The company said feedback from users would be used to refine App Studio functionality and guide decisions around app development support.
Broader Push for Utility in 2026
The updates reflect Pi Network’s broader effort to increase real-world utility within its ecosystem by enabling non-technical users to build functional applications. By lowering costs and simplifying payments, the company aims to expand participation in app creation while increasing opportunities for Pi to be used within apps.
Pi Network did not provide a timeline for when Test-Pi payments would transition to full mainnet functionality but said the current changes lay the groundwork for future expansion.
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