What could affect the price of TAO?
Bittensor’s price depends on how widely AI is adopted, changes in its token system, and supportive regulations.
- Halving in 70 days – Less token supply could boost prices, but competition among AI subnets poses risks
- Institutional buying – Public companies hold over 80,000 TAO tokens
- Regulatory support for DeAI – SEC’s approval of DePIN tokens lowers legal risks
Deep Dive
1. Halving Dynamics (Mixed Impact)
Overview:
On December 11, 2025, Bittensor (TAO) will have its first halving, cutting daily token rewards from 7,200 to 3,600. Unlike Bitcoin, Bittensor’s system allows subnet registration fees to delay this reduction. The current market value of these AI subnets is about $750 million, showing strong competition. Some subnets like Basilica (SN39) are thriving, while others are being removed.
What this means:
With fewer tokens being released, miners might sell less, which could push prices up if more AI subnets join the network. However, weaker subnets might slow down overall activity. Bitcoin’s past halvings led to price increases, but TAO’s flexible token release schedule makes the outcome less predictable (Coinspeaker).
2. Institutional Onboarding (Bullish)
Overview:
Companies such as TAO Synergies (holding 42,000 TAO) and xTAO (41,000 TAO) now own about 0.8% of all TAO tokens available. These firms stake their tokens to earn roughly 10% annual returns and have a say in managing AI subnets. Nasdaq-listed company Oblong invested $8 million, likening TAO’s potential to the early internet in 1996.
What this means:
Big investors buying and staking TAO reduces the number of tokens available for trading and supports Bittensor’s vision of decentralized AI. Since 82% of staking rewards go to those who delegate tokens, reinvesting these earnings could increase buying pressure (The Defiant).
3. Regulatory Tailwinds (Bullish)
Overview:
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce stated that DePIN tokens like TAO are not securities because they are used to pay for AI-related work. This fits well with Bittensor’s fair launch approach and may make it easier for TAO to be listed on exchanges.
What this means:
Lower regulatory risks could attract more institutional investors. The AI and blockchain sectors saw a 22% increase in hiring in 2025, showing growing maturity in this space (Coingape).
Conclusion
TAO’s future depends on a mix of Bitcoin-like scarcity and how well its AI products fit the market. Keep an eye on December’s halving and whether TAO can break through the $366 price level. The big question: can decentralized AI outperform centralized tech giants before TAO’s daily token rewards drop to 1,800 in 2026?
What are people saying about TAO?
Bittensor’s TAO token is at the center of excitement and cautious optimism around decentralized AI. Here’s what’s happening right now:
- Halving buzz – Just 70 days away, with some betting the price will hit $1,000
- Big investors buying in – Nasdaq-listed companies are treating TAO like digital gold
- Price battle – Optimists target $500, while skeptics warn of a possible 50% drop
- Strong community support – Loyal holders dismiss concerns about inflation
In-Depth Look
1. Halving Countdown Sparks $1,000 Price Predictions
@hayekai says:
“Bittensor $TAO will be the biggest performer of this utility cycle… Halving in 70 days (Not priced in)”
– Posted on October 1, 2025 | See original post
What this means: On December 12, 2025, the first TAO halving will cut daily token emissions from 7,200 to 3,600. This reduction means fewer new tokens entering the market, which could increase scarcity and push prices up. However, the actual impact might be delayed due to how the network’s subgroups (subnets) operate.
2. Nasdaq Companies Are Stocking Up on TAO
@TAOSynergies reports:
“42,111 TAO tokens… actively staking on Bittensor” (TAO Synergies, Nasdaq)
– Reported August 6, 2025 | Read article
What this means: Publicly traded companies now hold about 83,649 TAO tokens, worth over $27 million. By staking these tokens (locking them up to support the network), they earn a 10% annual return and show strong confidence in Bittensor’s vision as the “Bitcoin of AI.”
3. Price Outlook: $500 Breakout or 50% Drop?
@CryptoPatel explains:
“Breaking above $500 could lead to $1,000… but failure risks a drop to $284”
– Technical analysis from June 1, 2025 | View full analysis
What this means: TAO faces resistance at $434 and $488. A “golden cross” on daily charts (where the 20-day moving average crosses above the 50-day) supports upward momentum. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 66 suggests the token might be overbought and due for a pullback.
4. Community Ignores Inflation Concerns
@hayekai states:
“Stop it with the inflation talk… Bittensor is disrupting a $500 trillion market”
– Posted October 1, 2025 | See post
What this means: Some critics worry about TAO’s 8.9% annual inflation rate (new tokens being created). But supporters argue that the growing adoption of AI and increasing network revenue (with some subnets up 655% year-to-date) will outweigh any negative effects from inflation.
Conclusion
The overall sentiment around TAO is positive, fueled by the upcoming halving, institutional interest, and belief in decentralized AI’s massive $500 trillion market potential. Still, the token’s price shows mixed signals—caught between strong conviction like Bitcoin and the volatility typical of smaller cryptocurrencies. Keep an eye on the $380–$420 price range this week: a clear move above could signal strong momentum ahead of December’s halving, while a drop might test earlier lows. For dedicated investors, any price dip is seen as a rare buying opportunity.
What is the latest news about TAO?
Bittensor is gaining momentum thanks to positive regulatory developments, upcoming supply reductions, and growing interest from institutional investors.
- SEC Supports DePIN Incentives (September 30, 2025) – Clearer regulations boost confidence in Bittensor’s decentralized AI infrastructure.
- Halving Countdown Starts (September 23, 2025) – The first TAO halving in 80 days will reduce token supply growth, increasing scarcity.
- Institutions Buy TAO (July 30, 2025) – Nasdaq-listed companies have purchased over $16 million in TAO, showing strong long-term belief.
Deep Dive
1. SEC Supports DePIN Incentives (September 30, 2025)
Overview:
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce clarified that DePIN tokens like TAO are not considered securities because they are used to reward infrastructure providers. The SEC also issued a no-action letter for DoubleZero, a similar DePIN project, making it easier for networks like Bittensor to comply with regulations.
What this means:
This is a positive step that reduces regulatory uncertainty for Bittensor’s decentralized computing platform. By recognizing tokens earned through work as legitimate, the SEC indirectly supports TAO’s role in encouraging AI model training. (CoinGape)
2. Halving Countdown Starts (September 23, 2025)
Overview:
Bittensor’s first halving event on December 11, 2025, will cut daily TAO token emissions from 7,200 to 3,600. Unlike Bitcoin, Bittensor’s halving can be delayed through subnet registration fees, adding a unique twist to its supply controls.
What this means:
The reduction in token supply growth (from 44% annual inflation to 22% after halving) aligns with increased government interest in AI, creating a favorable environment for TAO. However, because registration fees can delay the halving’s impact, it’s important to watch subnet activity closely. (Yahoo Finance)
3. Institutions Buy TAO (July 30, 2025)
Overview:
The publicly traded fund xTAO holds 41,538 TAO tokens (worth $16 million), staking them to run network validators and earn about a 10% annual return. Another Nasdaq-listed company, TAO Synergies (Nasdaq: TAOX), added nearly 30,000 TAO in July, aiming to build a $100 million treasury.
What this means:
Institutional buying shows strong confidence in Bittensor’s decentralized AI vision. While staking helps secure the network, large holdings by a few entities could raise concerns about centralization—xTAO and TAOX together control about 0.7% of all circulating TAO tokens. (The Defiant)
Conclusion
Bittensor benefits from a combination of regulatory approval, supply-limiting mechanisms, and growing institutional support, positioning it as a leader in decentralized AI. With the halving and subnet expansion on the horizon, the key question is whether TAO’s $3.2 billion market cap can handle its still-high inflation rate sustainably.
What is expected in the development of TAO?
Bittensor is making steady progress with these key milestones:
- First Halving (December 12, 2025) – The daily supply of TAO tokens will be cut in half, dropping from 7,200 to 3,600 tokens.
- Subnet SDK Expansion (Q4 2025) – Improved developer tools will make it easier to create and grow AI subnets.
- Institutional Adoption Efforts (Ongoing) – Big companies and investment products are increasing demand for TAO.
Deep Dive
1. First Halving (December 12, 2025)
What’s happening?
Bittensor will reduce the number of new TAO tokens created each day by 50%, similar to how Bitcoin controls its supply. This halving happens every four years and will continue until the total supply reaches 21 million TAO tokens (Bittensor Blog).
Why it matters:
This reduction in new tokens is generally positive for TAO because less supply can lead to higher demand, especially as institutions like xTAO hold large reserves (around $16 million). On the flip side, miners who earn TAO might find it less profitable, which could slow down network growth if new users don’t join quickly.
2. Subnet SDK Expansion (Q4 2025)
What’s happening?
Bittensor is growing its network of specialized AI subnets—currently 128 in number—that focus on tasks like fraud detection and creating synthetic identities. The Subnet SDK (Software Development Kit) gives developers the tools to build and earn from these AI services. Recent updates also make it easier for these subnets to work across different blockchain networks (Yahoo Finance).
Why it matters:
This expansion is good news because it increases the usefulness of the Bittensor network and attracts AI developers with specific expertise. For example, Sportstensor (subnet #41) saw a big jump in demand during major sports events. However, there are risks like competition from centralized AI platforms and the possibility of too many subnets diluting value.
3. Institutional Adoption Efforts (Ongoing)
What’s happening?
Companies listed on Nasdaq, such as xTAO and TAO Synergies, have invested between $10 million and $100 million to buy TAO tokens. Additionally, Safello introduced Europe’s first exchange-traded product (ETP) backed by physical TAO tokens. These moves aim to connect decentralized AI technology with traditional finance markets (The Block).
Why it matters:
Institutional investment can help stabilize TAO’s price and support its reputation as the “Bitcoin for AI.” But relying too much on big corporate buyers could make the price vulnerable if they decide to sell off their holdings.
Conclusion
Bittensor’s roadmap carefully balances reducing token supply (halving), encouraging developer innovation (subnets), and attracting institutional investors. The upcoming halving will test how well TAO can handle reduced inflation, while new subnet tools could strengthen its position in decentralized AI. With Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility already active and adoption growing, the big question is: how will TAO’s decentralized governance evolve to manage this expanding ecosystem?
What updates are there in the TAO code base?
Bittensor’s latest updates focus on improving security, refining token economics, and building a decentralized AI network.
- Security Patch & Safe-Mode (July 2024) – After a wallet breach, transactions were temporarily frozen to protect user funds.
- Dynamic TAO Migration (2025) – Changed how staking rewards are distributed, now based on subnet performance.
- EVM Compatibility (2024–2025) – Made Bittensor compatible with Ethereum-based blockchains to support cross-chain AI applications.
Deep Dive
1. Security Patch & Safe-Mode (July 2024)
What happened: In May 2024, a security breach affected some wallets on Bittensor’s network. To stop further damage, the network entered “safe-mode” in July, temporarily blocking all transactions with a firewall.
During this time, users couldn’t register or unregister subnets or miners, but rewards continued to accumulate. Users who avoided using vulnerable software versions kept their funds safe. The Opentensor Foundation focused on securing affected wallets before reopening normal network activity.
Why it matters: This move prioritized protecting funds over network activity. While it prevented further losses, keeping the network in safe-mode too long could slow down development and innovation. (Source)
2. Dynamic TAO Migration (2025)
What happened: In 2025, Bittensor launched version 9.0, introducing Dynamic TAO (dTAO). This changed the way staking rewards are given—from fixed amounts to rewards based on how well each subnet performs.
The update also removed older functions and improved transaction handling by switching to a more efficient programming interface.
Why it matters: This is a positive change for TAO holders because it encourages subnets to improve their AI models and compete, which could increase the overall value and usefulness of the network. (Source)
3. EVM Compatibility (2024–2025)
What happened: Starting in late 2024, Bittensor became compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), the technology behind Ethereum and many other blockchains.
This means AI models and decentralized apps (dApps) on Bittensor can now work across Ethereum-compatible networks like Polygon and Arbitrum.
Why it matters: This expands Bittensor’s reach, making it easier for developers to build and deploy AI services across multiple blockchains. It aligns TAO with the growing trend of multi-chain ecosystems, increasing its potential use cases. (Source)
Conclusion
Bittensor is strengthening its network by focusing on security and building a decentralized AI infrastructure. The move to Dynamic TAO rewards and EVM compatibility positions TAO as a key player bridging AI innovation with cross-chain blockchain technology. With the first TAO halving scheduled for December 2025, it will be interesting to see how reduced token emissions affect competition among subnets and rewards for validators.
Why did the price of TAO go up?
Bittensor (TAO) increased by 2.28% in the last 24 hours, outperforming the overall crypto market’s 1.22% gain. Here are the main reasons:
- Institutional buying – Public companies like xTAO have increased their TAO holdings, showing strong confidence.
- Halving event approaching – The first TAO halving is set for December 2025, which will cut daily token emissions in half.
- Regulatory support – The SEC has clarified that TAO is not considered a security, which is positive for investors.
- Technical recovery – TAO’s price bounced back above a key level ($318.91) with a bullish signal from technical indicators.
In-Depth Analysis
1. Institutional Buying (Positive for Price)
What’s happening: Nasdaq-listed company xTAO reported owning 41,538 TAO tokens (worth about $16 million) as of July 31. Another firm, TAO Synergies, bought 42,111 TAO by August 6. These companies stake their tokens to earn roughly 10% annual returns, which means fewer tokens are available for trading.
Why it matters: When public companies hold TAO as part of their treasury, it’s similar to how MicroStrategy holds Bitcoin. This shows confidence in Bittensor’s vision of decentralized AI. With fewer tokens circulating and strong institutional support, prices often rise.
What to watch: Keep an eye on xTAO’s public filings for any new purchases before the halving event.
2. Halving Event Countdown (Positive for Price)
What’s happening: On December 11, 2025, TAO will undergo its first halving, reducing daily token emissions from 7,200 to 3,600. Unlike Bitcoin, TAO’s halving timing can be influenced by subnet fees, which may delay or speed up the event.
Why it matters: Halving reduces the number of new tokens entering the market, which can create scarcity and push prices up. Historically, crypto halvings lead to price rallies before the event. TAO’s recent 90-day return of -0.16% suggests this potential is not yet fully recognized.
What to watch: Monitor subnet registration fees, as higher fees could bring the halving date closer.
3. Regulatory Clarity (Mixed Impact)
What’s happening: On September 30, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce expressed support for DePIN projects like Bittensor, stating that TAO is not a security but a “functional incentive” token.
Why it matters: This reduces regulatory uncertainty, which is a common concern for investors. However, Peirce’s view is not official SEC policy, so there is still some risk for U.S. exchanges.
4. Technical Recovery (Neutral Impact)
What’s happening: TAO’s price rose above a key support level at $318.91, and the MACD indicator turned positive (+1.33), signaling potential upward momentum. However, the price is still below the 30-day moving average ($329.93), suggesting caution.
Why it matters: For a confirmed trend reversal, TAO needs to close above $341 (20-day moving average). The next resistance level is at $353.38, based on Fibonacci retracement.
Conclusion
TAO’s recent price increase is driven by institutional buying, anticipation of the halving event, and positive regulatory signals. However, technical indicators suggest a cautious outlook.
Key points to watch: Will TAO stay above $320 if Bitcoin’s market dominance (currently 58.27%) rises? Also, keep an eye on subnet growth and upcoming xTAO treasury disclosures.