Aptos launches encrypted mempool as token unlock schedule ends

Aptos has activated an optional encrypted mempool on its mainnet, offering users the ability to conceal a transaction’s details until a block is finalized. This move aims to improve security and protect traders from front-running strategies, a common concern for network participants managing sensitive transactions.

Aptos introduces encrypted mempool

Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to deliver fast transactions and robust scalability through its unique Move programming language. The network’s newly added feature, based on Aptos Improvement Proposal 144 (AIP-144), allows users to hide which functions their transactions call, along with the inputs involved, until final execution. Transaction senders’ addresses and associated fees, however, remain visible.

The encrypted mempool solution was designed by Aptos Labs cryptographer Rex Fernando. It secures transaction information using a key generated collaboratively by network validators. Each round of network operation produces a new key, which then decrypts transactions only when they are ready to be processed in a block.

Aptos implemented a batch processing technique to keep operation costs low. Validators can unlock all sealed transactions within a block through a single, fixed-size step, regardless of the number of transactions. According to AIP-144, this approach is expected to support over 1,000 transactions per second at launch.

Testing of the encrypted mempool with 50 nodes on Aptos’ consensus system showed an average increase of about 20 milliseconds in block time, while keeping total completion well under one second. A research paper titled “TrX,” submitted to the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS), measured a 27-millisecond increase in the time from transaction proposal to execution—representing roughly a 14% delay compared to conventional processing.

Mini dictionary: Mempool — A “memory pool” that temporarily holds transactions on a blockchain network before they are included in a block. Encrypted mempools shield transaction details from public view until execution, reducing the risk of front-running.

Industry response and Ethereum’s approach

Ethereum has also considered similar solutions to limit maximal extractable value (MEV) exploits, but its proposals remain under review. The Encrypt the Mempool Coalition, spearheaded by Shutter Network with support from Fairblock and Nillion, has promoted EIP-8184, known as LUCID. This design enables users to commit to a transaction and reveal its contents at a later stage. EIP-8184 was drafted in March 2026 by researchers Anders Elowsson, Justin Florentine, and Julian Ma.

Additionally, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin presented the concept of a recursive STARK mempool with EIP-8288, a proposal put forward in September. Both options reflect growing interest across major networks in encrypted transaction solutions, though they have not yet been deployed on Ethereum’s mainnet.

The Petra wallet has become the first to integrate Aptos’ encrypted mempool option directly into its transaction signing process. Decibel, a protocol focused on perpetuals trading, also plans to incorporate the feature. Developers have had access to the encrypted mempool via the TypeScript SDK since version 7.0.0.

APT token unlock and supply changes

Aptos introduced the encrypted mempool as its four-year token unlock schedule concluded. Since launching its mainnet in October 2022, Aptos distributed tokens to core contributors and early backers under a vesting schedule. On October 12, 2026, this initial insider allocation was completed, leaving no new genesis tokens to vest, the Aptos team confirmed on X.

Aptos has ended its genesis token vesting for insiders, with no further unlocks scheduled for core contributors or early investors. The network now shifts focus to community and foundation pools for ongoing distribution.

Following the vesting milestone, Aptos reduced its monthly release of new APT tokens by approximately 60%, dropping from 11.31 million to 4.54 million. Over the next years, the other 4.54 million tokens each month will be allocated to Community and Foundation pools through 2032.

Staking rewards, currently yielding up to 2.6% annually, have become the primary source of new APT tokens, generating around 19.8 million tokens per year. As of September 30, the circulating supply of APT stood at 871.02 million tokens.