Circle has announced the integration of the Solana blockchain into its Web3 services, introducing features like programmable wallets and gas stations. This rollout will occur in two phases, expanding Solana’s capabilities and aligning it with other supported blockchains such as Ethereum, Polygon, and Avalanche.

In the first phase, Circle will focus on implementing programmable wallets and sponsored transaction fees through its gas station feature. Programmable wallets will enable developers to automate asset management based on predefined rules, facilitating tasks that typically require manual execution, such as executing transactions under specific conditions.

The second phase will introduce support for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and program interactions via the Smart Contract Platform. This phase aims to enhance Solana's interoperability within Circle’s Web3 ecosystem.

Circle's move comes as Solana experiences increased activity and integrations with other protocols. The number of active addresses on the Solana blockchain hit an all-time high of 41.5 million in May, according to data from Hello Moon. This surge in activity underscores the growing popularity of Solana within the developer community.

Other companies are also focusing on programmability for wallets on Solana. For instance, Fuse Wallet, announced on June 10, supports programmable smart accounts, addressing issues such as dependence on seed phrases, limited asset recovery options, and restricted customization for onchain interactions.

Solana is preparing for significant network improvements to meet the rising demand. The Firedancer upgrade, scheduled for 2025, aims to enhance scalability and eliminate network downtime. The Solana Foundation’s DePIN lead, Kuleen Nimkar, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, which is being developed with Jump Crypto.

In addition to Circle, other major companies have recently integrated with Solana. PayPal, for example, added support for its stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), on May 29, aiming to facilitate its use in everyday transactions.

Circle’s integration of Solana highlights the blockchain's expanding role in the Web3 ecosystem, promising enhanced functionality and broader adoption through innovative features and improved infrastructure.