Bitcoin Core, the software that powers the Bitcoin network, has released its version 30.0 update, and it’s already causing a stir in the developer community.
The new version brings performance upgrades, bug fixes, and a few policy changes. But one technical tweak which allows multiple OP_RETURN outputs in a single transaction has sparked heated debate about Bitcoin’s purpose and long-term direction.
Bitcoin Core v30.0 was released!
It is available from: https://t.co/WpMuMaeRoz
Release notes: https://t.co/BifOfRyaq4— Bitcoin Core Project (@bitcoincoreorg) October 12, 2025
What Changed
In past versions, Bitcoin only allowed one OP_RETURN output per transaction. OP_RETURN is a special function that lets users attach small pieces of data to a Bitcoin transaction. It’s often used for things like digital signatures, proof of ownership, or experimental projects built on the blockchain.
With version 30, users can now include several OP_RETURN outputs at once. The data size limit has also been raised to 100,000 bytes by default, effectively removing the old cap.
Bitcoin Core v30 is a mistake.
Removing OP_RETURN limits opens the door to endless junk data, inscriptions, and fee spikes that punish regular users.
Bitcoin’s strength is its minimalism — not turning the base layer into a playground for experiments.— Ox HaK (@oxhak) October 12, 2025
Developers say the update gives more flexibility for advanced use cases. It could make it easier for new Bitcoin-based apps, tokens, and data layers to store information directly on-chain.
The Pushback
Not everyone is happy. Some long-time Bitcoin supporters argue that adding more data could bloat the blockchain and slow down the network. They believe Bitcoin should stay focused on peer-to-peer payments and not data storage.
Core should have first championed a consesus change to a OP_RETURN limit too low to hold a data file and then they could blow open datacarriersize for mining decentralization reasons. Instead, the approach they took puts all of us noderunnners in legal jeopardy.
— Carl Horton (@Carl_W_Horton) October 12, 2025
Others welcome the change, saying it opens the door for innovation. Projects using Ordinals and other Bitcoin extensions may now have more room to experiment.
The change has revived a long-standing tension in the Bitcoin community: how to balance efficiency with innovation.
Why It Matters
Every Bitcoin Core update shapes how the network evolves. This new release doesn’t change how regular transactions work, but it could influence how developers build new tools on Bitcoin.
Core 30 isn’t just another update
It’s a test of how much power we let developers hold
If we stay silent now, what happens in Core 31?
Bitcoin only stays decentralized when we defend it pic.twitter.com/4bI2JClKVE
— The Bitcoin Way (@Thebitcoinway_) October 6, 2025
For now, version 30.0 is available for download on bitcoincore.org. Older versions before 28.0 have officially reached “end of life,” meaning they won’t receive new updates.
While the OP_RETURN change may seem small, it highlights a bigger question for Bitcoin’s future; should the network stay simple, or adapt to the growing world of on-chain innovation?
Disclaimer
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