Testnet v1.27.0-rc is live with protocol version 30. Activation starts no earlier than 2026-07-08 19:22 UTC (epoch 598). This release focuses on extending Move module APIs, improving node operations, and adding CLI functionality.

Protocol Changes

• Protocol version 30 introduces new APIs in the iota::protocol_config and iota_system::protocol_config Move modules:
  • get_attr<T: copy + drop + store>(param_name: vector<u8>): T allows fetching protocol parameters dynamically.
  • is_feature_enabled mirrors feature flag checks in the iota_system package.
• These updates make protocol feature flags and parameters accessible across both frameworks, streamlining integration for builders.

Node Updates

• Per-peer admission controls: The consensus gRPC server now supports opt-in per-peer limits. Set CONSENSUS_GRPC_PROTECTIVE_LIMITS=1 to enable protective presets. (#11970)
• Panic fix: Addressed a rare panic during node shutdown/restart. No config changes needed. (#12018)
• Prometheus metrics filtering: Use METRICS_FILTER to customize metric outputs. (#11922)
• Snapshot restoration: Restoring from a formal snapshot no longer needs a checkpoint-archive bucket. Checkpoint summaries are now verified directly from the snapshot. (#11868)

Indexer Fix

• Fixed a bug where descending queries on checkpoint data failed in pruned ranges. Queries now fall back correctly. (#12009)

CLI Enhancement

• Added backfill-checkpoint-summaries to iota-tool. This command downloads a full checkpoint summary history for stopped nodes, simplifying recovery workflows. (#11894)

Rust SDK Update

• MoveAuthenticator and MoveAuthenticatorV1 now come from iota-rust-sdk. Internal helpers move to the MoveAuthenticatorExt trait. This refactor centralizes authentication logic and reduces redundancy. (#11968)

Why It Matters

Protocol version 30's new APIs expand Move module capabilities, making it easier to work with dynamic parameters and feature flags. Node operators get more control over gRPC connections and safer snapshot restores. Builders using the Rust SDK benefit from cleaner authentication handling.

For full details, check the release log.

Sources: v1.27.0-rc