What Shipped
In early February 2026, several exciting updates and projects have emerged from some of the blockchain networks making waves in the crypto space, especially Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network. These projects are focused on improving payment systems, smart contracts, and digital asset management.
One standout development is Meridian Pay, a scalable smart wallet built on the Stellar network. This wallet aims to make sending and receiving payments easier, faster, and more cost-effective for users worldwide.
On the Hedera front, developers recently announced support for Swift 6 in the Hiero Swift SDK. For those new to this, Swift is a popular programming language used mainly for Apple devices, and SDK stands for Software Development Kit. This update means developers can now build better and more efficient apps on Hedera, especially for iPhones and Macs.
Additionally, Hedera shared a Developer Highlights report for January, which showcases ongoing improvements and new tools to help creators build on their network.
Stellar also highlighted some interesting projects around NFTs (non-fungible tokens) with their “Art ❤️ Smart Contracts” feature, showing how creative digital assets and blockchain smart contracts are coming together to offer new opportunities for artists and collectors.
Why It Matters
These updates and projects are important because they help make blockchain technology more accessible and practical for everyday use. Let’s break down why each of these developments matters:
- Meridian Pay on Stellar: By creating a smart wallet that is scalable, Stellar is addressing one of the biggest challenges in crypto payments – speed and cost. This means sending money across borders or between users can become as simple and cheap as sending a text message.
- Swift 6 Support on Hedera: Developers building apps for Apple devices now have better tools to integrate blockchain features. This can lead to more innovative apps that combine the security and transparency of blockchain with user-friendly interfaces.
- NFTs and Smart Contracts: The combination of NFTs and smart contracts on Stellar opens new doors for digital creators and collectors. Smart contracts are self-executing agreements coded to automatically enforce terms, and NFTs are unique digital items verified on the blockchain. Together, they enable things like digital art ownership, royalties, and secure trading.
On the price front, Bitcoin remains strong at about $69,154, although it has dipped slightly by around 2.3% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum is holding steady near $2,060 with a small positive change, while some other tokens like Flare Network and Hedera Hashgraph have seen more significant declines recently. This kind of volatility is normal in crypto markets, but the ongoing technological progress offers a positive outlook.
Builders’ Corner
If you’re a developer or just a curious newcomer interested in building with blockchain, here are some key takeaways and opportunities from these updates:
- Explore Stellar’s Smart Wallets: Check out how Meridian Pay is designed and consider how you might build apps that leverage fast, affordable payments.
- Try Hedera’s Swift 6 SDK: If you’re into iOS or macOS app development, experiment with the new Swift 6 support to add blockchain features to your apps.
- Get Creative with NFTs: Use Stellar’s NFT capabilities to create digital collectibles or art projects with smart contract automation for royalties or trading rules.
- Learn About Stablecoins: Stellar’s blog also shared insights about stablecoin issuance, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar. These are important for reducing price swings in crypto payments.
For beginners, these are great examples of how blockchain is evolving beyond just digital money to become a platform for real-world applications and creative projects.
Quick Prices
- Bitcoin (BTC): $69,154 (-2.3% last 24h)
- Ethereum (ETH): $2,060.92 (+0.23% last 24h)
- Flare Network (FLR): $0.0095 (-6.75% last 24h)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.089 (-5.92% last 24h)
- Ripple (XRP): $1.42 (-4.8% last 24h)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.162 (-4.07% last 24h)
- XDC Network (XDC): $0.037 (-2.48% last 24h)
What to Watch
Looking ahead, here are some things to keep an eye on:
- Expansion of Smart Wallets: How projects like Meridian Pay evolve and whether other networks adopt similar solutions for faster, cheaper payments.
- Blockchain Integration in Apps: The impact of Hedera’s Swift 6 SDK update on the number and quality of blockchain-based mobile and desktop applications.
- NFT Market Growth: Whether Stellar’s push into NFTs and smart contracts leads to more artists and creators embracing blockchain for digital ownership and royalties.
- Stablecoin Developments: Stablecoins continue to become a cornerstone for crypto payments and finance. Watch how new issuances and partnerships shape the market.
- Market Volatility and Adoption: While prices may fluctuate, the ongoing technological advancements suggest a maturing ecosystem that could bring more widespread adoption.
TL;DR: Stellar launched Meridian Pay, a smart wallet aiming to simplify payments, while Hedera improved developer tools with Swift 6 support. Stellar also highlighted NFT projects combining art and smart contracts. Prices show typical crypto volatility, but these innovations highlight exciting growth in blockchain usability and creativity. For new investors and builders, it’s a great time to explore how blockchain technology is becoming more practical and accessible for everyday use.
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