At ETHDenver 2025, the Base Layer-2 (Base L2) team announced a major upgrade aimed at increasing blockchain speed and scalability. The centerpiece of this update is Flashblocks, a technology that reduces block times from 2 seconds to 200 milliseconds.
Flashblocks: New Blockchain Speed
Developed in collaboration with Flashbots, a research group specializing in MEV, Flashblocks enhances transaction speed by reducing network latency and improving block finality.
Appchains: Dedicated Space for High-Traffic Apps
Alongside Flashblocks, Base introduced Appchains, a Layer-3 framework for high-traffic applications needing dedicated blockspace. This allows developers to set custom fees and improve scalability.
Smart Wallet Sub Accounts and Improved UX
Base also introduced Smart Wallet Sub Accounts, a feature simplifying on-chain identity management. Users can manage multiple wallets from a single interface, reducing the need for repeated logins and approvals.
While Flashblocks significantly improves speed, experts express concerns about potential security risks, such as orphaned blocks and centralization threats.
