BNB blockchain’s Maxwell Hard Fork brings sub-second block times for BNB chain users and helps validators achieve better synchronization with each other. The upgrade is the third major one in 2025 after the Pascal and Lorentz Hard Forks which brought accounts abstraction and 1.5 second block times to the blockchain, respectively.
In this article, we will discuss Maxwell upgrade in full technical detail and understand its future potential. We will also take a look at a few concerns that have been plaguing all kinds of users. Please note that for the scope of this article, the words “Hard Fork” and “Upgrade” will be used interchangeably.
These Layer-2s are doing a brilliant job in scaling Bitcoin.
What is the Maxwell Upgrade?
After the Lorentz upgrade that reduced the BNB chain’s block time from 3 seconds to 1.5 seconds, BNB has brought the quick follow-up Maxwell upgrade that reduces block times even further.
The latest among these upgrades is the Maxwell upgrade in June 2025. This upgrade brings sub-second block time for BNB (theoretical target being 0.75 seconds). Further, it also brings better communication between validators so that the entire blockchain remains in sync at all times despite such high frequency block production.
Sub-Second Block Time
A couple of months after receiving the 1.5 block time upgrade, BNB has yet again implemented a faster block processing algorithm with the Maxwell Hard Fork. This upgrade is termed as BEP-563
Validator Synchronization
For a blockchain network to remain secure, validators must be in near perfect synchronization with each other, otherwise there remains a chance that a few validators could execute a false transaction without being aware of it.
The latest Maxwell Upgrade addresses this concern with BEP 563 improves quicker synchronization. With faster block times (0.75 seconds), the network too must synchronize even faster. This faster synchronization is made possible with the usage of Node IDs which will be assigned to each validator. Node IDs can help validators identify each other faster than before.
Smart Block Fetching
As validator synchronization becomes faster, nodes can share messages with each other in a much faster way. This ultimately is expected to improve block fetching.
Previously each new created block had to be synced with all nodes. Improved synchronization among validators via Node IDs could help block synchronization a lot faster.
Benefits From The Hard Fork
A direct result of the hard fork seems to be ultra short block times which means that transaction speeds would be at least four times than that in March 2025. Faster transaction times would mean it would get cheaper to use the BNB Chain.
For the retail markets, buying cryptocurrencies and storing them on BNB chain would become much more profitable. This is because retail purchases are often low value and chains like Ethereum erode a significant portion from retailers’ investments. Though there are other chains like SUI and TON, yet most of these chains do not offer such a huge variety of bridged assets like BNB does.
For crypto-native startups, it would become a lot easier to use the trusted BNB Chain because unlike other chains which could be shut down in a bad market, the BNB Chain is backed by the largest crypto exchange in the world. At present at least 5700 dApps use the BNB Chain as it is significantly cheaper than Ethereum, yet offers a similar environment (BNB is based on ETH and uses the Ethereum Virtual Machine).
BNB’s fast blockchain would also attract TradFi and PayFi businesses that seek to embrace blockchain technology for faster and efficient payments. Lower fees would help them establish themselves in Web3 without having to spend much on transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my wallet for Maxwell Upgrade?
If you are using a Web Browser wallet, there is nothing you need to do. For mobile and desktop wallet users, keep the software updated. For hardware wallet users, you will receive a firmware or software update from your OEM.
Does this mean more blocks are produced in a quarter, which results in more quarterly BNB burns?
More blocks would reduce the fee per block, as a result, nothing much changes, unless there is more transaction (by value) due to low fees.
