Worldcoin Moves Closer to 2024 Mainnet Launch, Unveils World Chain Developer Preview

Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is moving closer to its 2024 mainnet launch.

Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is gearing up for its 2024 mainnet launch. On July 9, the Worldcoin Foundation announced the World Chain developer preview, enabling developers worldwide to begin building on the World Chain ahead of its mainnet debut.

Developers will be able to deploy infrastructure on a “gated mainnet” as the World Chain skips the traditional testnet phase. This approach is being undertaken to facilitate quicker and more efficient deployment, according to Remco Bloemen, head of protocol at the Worldcoin Foundation.

Moreover, World Chain developers have been testing the system on the OP Stack, an open-source framework developed by the Optimism Collective.

“OP Stack has seen plenty of testing already — we know it works,” Bloemen said, highlighting the rationale behind using the Optimism layer-2 to power World Chain. This ensures a reliable infrastructure for future development.

Interested developers can apply for access on Worldcoin’s official website, presenting an opportunity to innovate and build ahead of the mainnet launch.

Since integrating support for Optimism and the Superchain in July 2023, the Worldcoin Foundation has seen Worldcoin user transactions grow to about 50% of OP mainnet activity in a year, making Worldcoin the largest application on the network.

The upcoming World Chain mainnet will be designed to enable real human transactions, integrating Worldcoin’s identity protocol, World ID. This system functions as a global digital passport, facilitating a universal ecosystem for economic activities.

Worldcoin’s mission is to differentiate humans from AI, which it achieves by scanning an individual’s iris. This technology, known as the intelligent retrieval information system, issues World IDs. Consequently, these IDs allow individuals to prove their human identity online.

Once the World Chain mainnet launches, over 10 million people across 160 countries will be able to use onchain apps through compatible wallets, starting with Tools for Humanity’s World App, according to Bloemen.

“When World Chain mainnet launches, more than 10 million people across 160 countries will be able to explore and use onchain apps through compatible wallets, starting with Tools for Humanity’s World App.”

The World Chain mainnet will offer scalable and cheap transactions. Additionally, its compatibility and interoperability will support a wide range of applications. As an Ethereum Virtual Machine chain and a layer 2 to Ethereum, it allows easy migration of existing projects and facilitates the development of new ones.

The mainnet will host an ecosystem of decentralized financial and identity apps, focusing on everyday utility. Moreover, Bloemen highlighted the network’s features, including stablecoins, payments, rewards, lending, and more — all centered around World ID’s Sybil resistance.

Finally, World Chain will prioritize transactions created by verified humans for faster confirmation times. Bloemen elaborated on this aspect of the network.

“As a permissionless network, everyone will be able to submit transactions to World Chain, but those created by verified humans will be prioritized for faster confirmation times.”

This feature aims to enhance the user experience and maintain the network’s efficiency.