Solana, one of the most prominent blockchain platforms, is currently experiencing significant market attention amid ongoing technical upgrades and shifting investor sentiment. Recent developments suggest the network is preparing for a major transformation, as the Solana community overwhelmingly approved the Alpenglow upgrade with 98.27% of stakers voting in favor. This update, which replaces core components of the network—Proof-of-History and TowerBFT—introduces Votor and Rotor, two new systems designed to enhance transaction finality and reduce data transfer overhead [1]. According to the upgrade’s timeline, Votor is expected to cut finality times from over 12 seconds to approximately 150 milliseconds, while Rotor will focus on improving scalability for high-demand applications such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 gaming [1]. This technical evolution is seen as a critical step in positioning Solana for broader adoption and increased transaction throughput, reinforcing its position as a top-tier blockchain for developers and users alike.

The market has responded to these developments with renewed interest in Solana’s price trajectory. As of late August 2025, Solana (SOL) traded above $200, marking a significant recovery from earlier price dips in the year. Analysts suggest that the token is on a strong trajectory, with a peak price of $224 expected by November 2025, driven by growing on-chain activity and institutional interest [2]. The Solana blockchain continues to attract real-world asset (RWA) projects, decentralized finance protocols, and high-performance dApps, all of which contribute to increased network utilization and, potentially, long-term value capture for SOL holders. Furthermore, the approval of a spot Solana ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in October 2025 is anticipated to serve as a major catalyst for price appreciation, as it could unlock a new wave of institutional demand [2].

Despite this optimism, Solana faces immediate downside risks. Market watchers caution that SOL could struggle to maintain its position above $180 in the near term, with fading momentum and weak support levels contributing to bearish sentiment [4]. If the token breaks below $174, analysts warn that a more pronounced selloff could follow, particularly if broader market conditions remain volatile. However, many remain bullish in the medium to long term, citing Solana’s ongoing innovation and expanding ecosystem as key differentiators. The network’s recent performance, including a 14% week-on-week gain, reinforces this view, with the bulls targeting a potential $300 level based on technical indicators such as the RSI and volume patterns [6].

At the same time, attention is increasingly shifting to emerging projects like DeSoc, a SocialFi initiative that has raised over $10 million in its presale phase. DeSoc’s $SOCS token is gaining traction for its unique approach to decentralized social infrastructure, allowing users to monetize content and maintain cross-platform identity without relying on centralized intermediaries [3]. Unlike Solana, which focuses on infrastructure and transaction efficiency, DeSoc is addressing a growing need in Web3: decentralized identity and content monetization. Analysts highlight this as a compelling value proposition, particularly in an era where social media platforms are under scrutiny for data privacy and creator compensation [5]. With over 50,000 wallets participating in its presale and a structured roadmap emphasizing scalability and adoption, DeSoc is positioned as a potential 2,000% gain for early investors [4].

While Solana and DeSoc operate in different niches of the blockchain space, both projects are vying for the attention of crypto investors seeking high-growth opportunities. Solana’s strength lies in its established ecosystem and technical capabilities, whereas DeSoc’s appeal stems from its novel approach to social media and content creation in a decentralized context. As the market continues to evolve, the interplay between these projects could shape the next phase of Web3 adoption, with institutional and retail investors alike weighing their respective risks and rewards.

Source: [1] title1 (https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/09/02/solana-set-for-major-overhaul-after-98-votes-to-approve-historic-alpenglow-upgrade) [2] title2 (https://icobench.com/cryptocurrency/solana-price-prediction/)

[3] title3 (https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2025/08/29/desoc-raises-over-10-million-cardano-and-dogecoin-investors-bet-big-socs/) [4] title4 (https://coindoo.com/solana-price-prediction-sol-price-eyes-220-whilst-desoc-set-for-2000-gains/) [5] title5 (https://coindoo.com/is-this-the-best-crypto-investment-of-2025-as-desoc-could-recreate-shiba-inu-and-pepe-coin-gains/) [6] title6 (https://cryptodnes.bg/en/solana-rebounds-to-200-as-new-solana-bot-presale-nears-3-5m/)