Ethereum and Base to Pursue Separate Wallet Standards After Talks Fail
Ethereum and Base split on account abstraction
Ethereum and the Base network are set to use different designs for account abstraction after efforts to create a shared standard failed last week. Account abstraction is a technology that allows programmable rules for authorizing transactions and paying fees, making crypto wallets more flexible.
The breakdown in talks means that both networks will move forward with their own separate technical plans. This shift may require developers who build digital wallets—software used to store and manage cryptocurrency—to support different transaction formats for each network.
Key details of the divergence
- Collaboration between Ethereum and Base on shared wallet standards ended last week.
- Ethereum is moving forward with a proposal called EIP-8141, also known as Frame Transactions.
- Base is developing its own version called Keystore under proposal EIP-8130.
- The split may increase the technical workload for wallet developers.
Researcher explains the shift in priorities
Derek Chiang, a researcher at Ethlabs and co-author of the Ethereum proposal, reported the news on social media. He stated that making the two systems work together became less important than the core goals of each individual network. According to Chiang, this change places the responsibility on wallet developers to ensure a consistent experience for users across different chains.
Chiang noted that layer-1 networks like Ethereum are focusing more on security, privacy, and resistance to censorship. Meanwhile, layer-2 networks like Base—which are designed to make transactions faster and cheaper—are more focused on scalability and different technical standards.
Technical paths for each network
Ethereum plans to include its account abstraction standard as a major part of the Hegotá upgrade. This upgrade is intended to introduce native account abstraction and improve the network's long-term security. Base is currently testing its own standard, EIP-8130, on its development network.
While the networks are moving apart, Chiang suggested this could be a positive development. He argued that both Ethereum and Base are now free to innovate and improve their wallet systems according to their own specific goals.
Timeline for upcoming upgrades
Ethereum developers could begin working on the Hegotá upgrade in late 2026. This follows the Glamsterdam upgrade, which is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. The Glamsterdam update is designed to make the Ethereum network easier to use and more scalable.
