What is expected in the development of ENS?
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is making important updates:
- ENSv2 Layer 2 Launch (Q4 2025) – Moving to a special Ethereum Layer 2 to make name registrations much cheaper.
- Improved Subname Features (2026) – More ways to use customizable subdomains for organizations and brands.
- Cross-Chain Support (2026) – Adding native compatibility with Bitcoin, Solana, and other blockchains beyond Ethereum.
In-Depth Look
1. ENSv2 Layer 2 Launch (Q4 2025)
What’s Happening?
ENS is planning to move its main functions to a dedicated Ethereum Layer 2 network called "Namechain." This will cut transaction fees by about 90% and allow users to register multiple names at once. As of September 2025, the team has finished researching the best Layer 2 option and is preparing for deployment (ENS Roadmap). This upgrade separates the registration process from name resolution, letting some data be handled off the main Ethereum chain while keeping security strong.
Why It Matters
Lower fees should encourage more people to register .eth names, which already grew 41% year-over-year to 2.1 million by July 2025 (CCN). However, moving to Layer 2 comes with risks, like potential bugs when syncing between Ethereum’s main chain and the new Layer 2.
2. Improved Subname Features (2026)
What’s Happening?
ENS is expanding how subdomains (subnames) can be used. For example, Gemini’s wallet recovery uses gemini.eth subnames. Soon, developers will be able to create permissioned subnames automatically using updated software tools. This opens up new uses for decentralized organizations (DAOs), brands, and identities across multiple blockchains.
Why It Matters
This could help ENS attract more business users, though it faces competition from services like Unstoppable Domains. The Gemini partnership already increased daily active users by 18% in August 2025 (ENS Twitter).
3. Cross-Chain Support (2026)
What’s Happening?
ENS plans to support addresses from Bitcoin, Solana, Cosmos, and other blockchains directly, without relying on bridge technologies. This fits with Ethereum’s broader plan to simplify how accounts work across networks.
Why It Matters
This makes ENS a universal naming system for Web3, which is a big advantage. Still, the technical challenges and different rules on each blockchain might slow down the rollout.
Conclusion
ENS is focusing on making its service faster and cheaper (Layer 2), more useful (subnames), and compatible with multiple blockchains (cross-chain). While there are risks in making these changes, success could strengthen ENS’s position as the go-to identity system for Web3. The big question: Will ENS’s Layer 2 upgrade spark the same kind of growth and excitement as Ethereum’s Merge did?
What updates are there in the ENS code base?
Ethereum Name Service (ENS) rolled out important protocol upgrades and expanded its ecosystem in the third quarter of 2025.
- ENSv2 Hub Launch (August 5, 2025) – A centralized platform outlining the upcoming move to Layer 2 (L2) and related protocol updates.
- Email-as-ENS Integration (July 2025) – Partnership with zkEmail lets users link their email addresses to ENS names.
- Subname Smart Contract Upgrades (August 14, 2025) – Improved features for institutional wallets and branded subdomains.
Deep Dive
1. ENSv2 Hub Launch (August 5, 2025)
Overview:
ENS introduced the ENSv2 Hub, a single portal explaining its shift to a Layer 2 network called "Namechain." This move aims to lower transaction fees (gas fees) and improve scalability, making the system faster and cheaper to use.
The upgrade also includes smarter contract designs that work better across different blockchains and support storing data off the blockchain. Developers can now try out new features like batch domain registrations, which let users register multiple .eth names in one transaction on the L2 network.
What this means:
Lower fees and better performance make ENS more attractive to everyday users and decentralized apps (dApps). Moving to L2 removes a major obstacle for wider adoption. (Source)
2. Email-as-ENS Integration (July 2025)
Overview:
ENS teamed up with zkEmail to allow users to claim ENS names that correspond to their email addresses. For example, john@gmail.com can become john.gmail.eth. This is verified using zero-knowledge proofs, a privacy-focused technology that confirms ownership without revealing sensitive information.
The system now supports modular resolvers that link these email-based ENS names to crypto wallet addresses, making it easier to send and receive payments using familiar email-like identifiers.
What this means:
This update helps bridge traditional internet users (Web2) with blockchain users (Web3), simplifying the onboarding process for people new to cryptocurrency. Its success depends on how widely zkEmail is adopted. (Source)
3. Subname Smart Contract Upgrades (August 14, 2025)
Overview:
ENS improved subname management through the Name Wrapper contract, allowing companies like Gemini to create branded subdomains (e.g., user.gemini.eth) with custom permissions and recovery options.
The upgrade added support for ERC-1155, a token standard that enables batch handling of subnames as collections of NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
What this means:
This is positive for ENS because enterprise use cases, such as Gemini’s 750,000+ .base.eth registrations, generate steady revenue and increase ENS’s visibility in the market. (Source)
Conclusion
ENS is focusing on making its platform more scalable and user-friendly by moving to Layer 2, integrating email addresses, and enhancing subname features. With growing interest from institutions, the big question is whether ENS can maintain its impressive 45% annual price growth amid the ups and downs of the broader crypto market.
What could affect the price of ENS?
The price of Ethereum Name Service (ENS) reflects a balance between growing adoption and speculative risks.
- ENSv2 Upgrade – Moving to a Layer 2 solution could make ENS more useful but comes with some risks in implementation.
- Institutional Activity – Large investors buying ENS contrasts with significant amounts moving to exchanges, showing mixed market sentiment.
- Altcoin Season – A recent surge in alternative cryptocurrencies may help boost ENS’s value.
In-Depth Look
1. ENSv2 & Layer 2 Migration (Mixed Effects)
What’s Happening:
ENS plans to move its main functions to a new Layer 2 network called "Namechain," built on Linea. This upgrade aims to reduce transaction fees by about 90% and allow ENS to work across different blockchains. The update is expected in the last quarter of 2025, as mentioned in ENS’s July update.
Why It Matters:
Lower fees could encourage more people to register .eth domain names (there are already over 2 million) and help integrate ENS with popular platforms like PayPal and Venmo (integration example). However, delays or technical problems could slow down enthusiasm.
2. Whale Activity & Institutional Demand (Mixed Signals)
What’s Happening:
- Positive: Trend Research bought 203,000 ENS tokens (worth $5.5 million) in July, showing strong institutional interest (CoinMarketCap).
- Negative: On August 11, $4 million worth of ENS tokens were transferred to exchanges like Coinbase and FalconX, raising concerns about potential selling pressure (EmberCN).
Why It Matters:
While big buyers accumulating ENS suggest confidence in its long-term value, large transfers to exchanges could lead to short-term price drops due to increased selling.
3. Altcoin Season & Ethereum Ecosystem Growth (Positive Influence)
What’s Happening:
The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index jumped 51% over the past month, with Ethereum maintaining a 13.45% market share. ENS benefits from Ethereum’s strong activity in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). For example, Gemini launched an ENS-powered wallet (The Block), and Coinbase is moving to .cb.id domains.
Why It Matters:
ENS could gain from the overall rise in alternative cryptocurrencies, especially if Ethereum’s price climbs back to $4,500. However, new projects like Linea’s Layer 2 token (Bit2Me) might compete for attention and investment.
Conclusion
ENS’s future price depends on how well the Layer 2 upgrade is executed, Ethereum’s market performance, and the balance between large investors buying and selling. Keep an eye on the ENSv2 testnet launch and exchange inflow/outflow trends. Holding above $24.78 (the 50% Fibonacci retracement level) could indicate strength, while dropping below $22.93 (78.6% retracement) might lead to further declines. The key question is whether ENS can maintain its lead in Web3 identity before competitors catch up.
What are people saying about ENS?
Conversations around Ethereum Name Service (ENS) are swinging between hopes for a price breakout and concerns about a possible pullback, with growing interest in its adoption. Here’s what’s trending right now:
- Optimistic traders are targeting $38 if key support levels hold steady
- Pessimistic outlook warns of a potential 25% drop down to around $16
- Coinbase’s listing in Germany is boosting confidence in ENS’s wider use
- Gemini’s partnership is increasing the usefulness of .eth subnames
In-Depth Look
1. @CoinMarketCap: Bullish breakout could push price to $38
"ENS is trading within a bullish dealing range… Targets: $32.01 → $38.57"
– @CoinMarketCap (12.8M followers · 8.2K impressions · 2025-08-20 12:08 UTC)
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What this means: Traders are optimistic about ENS, expecting a rally driven by strong buying interest if the price stays above the $21.67 support level. Technical indicators suggest conditions are favorable for upward movement.
2. @CoinMarketCap: Bears see risk of drop to $14.80
"ENS failed to break higher… liquidity below at $16.03 is a magnet"
– @CoinMarketCap (12.8M followers · 5.1K impressions · 2025-06-27 15:53 UTC)
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What this means: On the downside, ENS faces resistance and may fall if it breaks below $16. This could lead to a roughly 28% price decline, according to technical signals.
3. @AMBCrypto: Coinbase Germany listing sparks 19% rally
"ENS rose 19% in 24h… whale activity surged 313%"
– @AMBCrypto (387K followers · 22K impressions · 2025-07-16 10:32 UTC)
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What this means: The announcement that Coinbase is listing ENS in Germany has driven a strong price increase, supported by large investors buying in. However, some indicators suggest the price might be temporarily overbought.
4. @ensdomains: Gemini integrates .eth subnames
"Gemini assigns gemini.eth subnames… simplifies wallet recovery"
– @ensdomains (289K followers · 8.7K impressions · 2025-08-14 16:23 UTC)
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What this means: Gemini’s move to use .eth subnames for easier wallet recovery is a positive sign for ENS adoption, especially among institutional users. The impact on price will depend on how widely this feature is used.
Conclusion
The outlook for ENS is mixed. Technical traders are debating key price levels, while partnerships with Coinbase and Gemini provide strong fundamental support for the ecosystem. Keep an eye on the $30 resistance level: breaking above it could lead to a sharp price increase toward $35, while failure to break through might test the $26.15 support level identified in recent analysis. Overall, ENS continues to be an important indicator for the growth of Web3 identity solutions.
What is the latest news about ENS?
ENS is making strategic moves through partnerships and adapting to changes in liquidity as demand for Web3 identities grows. Here are the key updates:
- Linea Consortium Role (September 11, 2025) – ENS has joined the governance team of Ethereum’s Layer 2 network, Linea, strengthening its role in Ethereum’s infrastructure.
- Gemini Wallet Integration (August 14, 2025) – ENS subdomains are now part of Gemini’s wallet, making wallet recovery easier and improving usability across different blockchain networks.
Deep Dive
1. Linea Consortium Role (September 11, 2025)
Overview:
ENS Domains has become a governing member of the Linea Consortium. This group manages ConsenSys’ Ethereum Layer 2 network called Linea. Other members include Eigen Labs, SharpLink Gaming, and Status. The consortium focuses on decentralized governance, staying true to Ethereum’s community-driven values. Linea’s token system avoids giving tokens to venture capitalists. Instead, 85% of tokens go to ecosystem growth and 4% to liquidity incentives.
What this means:
This is a positive development for ENS. Being part of Linea’s governance increases ENS’s influence in scaling Ethereum’s technology. Linea’s fair token distribution and community focus could encourage more people to use ENS domains as Layer 2 networks grow. (Bit2Me)
2. Gemini Wallet Integration (August 14, 2025)
Overview:
Gemini has added support for ENS subdomains (like you.gemini.eth) in its self-custody wallet. This means users can have easy-to-read addresses instead of complicated strings of numbers and letters. It also simplifies wallet recovery. Users can connect their ENS names to Gemini accounts and send transactions across Ethereum and Layer 2 networks such as Arbitrum and Polygon.
What this means:
This update is somewhat positive for ENS. It improves ENS’s usefulness in popular wallets, but how much it affects ENS’s value depends on how many users adopt it. Offering free subdomains and covering gas fees might encourage more people to register ENS names. However, the overall demand for ENS tokens will rely on Gemini’s user growth. (The Block)
Conclusion
ENS is strengthening its position in Ethereum’s Layer 2 development and mainstream wallet use. It’s balancing technical growth with user-friendly features. The big question is whether Linea’s community-focused approach will help ENS reach users beyond Ethereum’s core audience.
Why did the price of ENS go up?
Ethereum Name Service (ENS) increased by 1.13% in the last 24 hours, outperforming the overall crypto market, which gained 0.94%. This rise is supported by positive technical signals and new adoption developments.
- Gemini Wallet Integration – Gemini launched a self-custody wallet on August 14, adding new uses for ENS.
- Technical Breakout – ENS price moved above a key level ($23.39) with a bullish MACD crossover.
- Market Sentiment Shift – The altcoin season index rose 51% over the past month, favoring tokens in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Deep Dive
1. Gemini Partnership & Adoption (Positive Impact)
Overview: On August 14, 2025, Gemini introduced a self-custody wallet that offers free ENS subdomains (like you.gemini.eth). This makes crypto transactions and wallet recovery easier for over 500,000 users, according to Gemini’s announcement.
What this means: As Gemini, a major platform, adopts ENS naming standards, demand for .eth domains is expected to grow alongside wallet creation. Offering free subdomains serves as a way to attract users, potentially leading to more premium domain registrations in the future.
What to watch: Keep an eye on how many users adopt Gemini’s wallet and how many continue to renew their ENS subdomains after the free period ends.
2. Technical Momentum (Mixed Signals)
Overview: ENS’s price broke above a key pivot point at $23.39, supported by a bullish MACD crossover (histogram at +0.21). However, the RSI-7 indicator is neutral at 49.44, showing no strong overbought or oversold conditions.
What this means: Short-term traders might see this breakout as a positive sign, but the neutral RSI suggests the price could consolidate before moving higher. The next resistance level to watch is $26.48, based on the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement.
Key level: If ENS can stay above $24.78 (the 50% Fibonacci level), it may continue to climb.
3. Altcoin Season Tailwinds (Positive Impact)
Overview: The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index jumped 51% over the past 30 days to 71 (as of September 17), indicating increased investor interest in mid-cap tokens like ENS.
What this means: ENS benefits from Ethereum’s strong market presence (making up 13.47% of the total crypto market cap) and growing interest in Web3 identity solutions.
Conclusion
ENS’s recent gains reflect a combination of strategic adoption through Gemini’s integration, encouraging technical signals, and a favorable market environment for altcoins. While the price move isn’t extreme, the partnership with Gemini strengthens ENS’s role as the main naming system on Ethereum.
Key point to watch: Can ENS maintain its position above $23.39 and take advantage of Ethereum’s upcoming Devcon event scheduled for October 22-25?