Bitcoin has kicked off its final mining difficulty adjustment of 2025, closing the year with another increase that reflects the growing strength of the network. Early indications now suggest that the first adjustment of January 2026 could increase the difficulty even higher, as miners continue to bring more powerful machines online.
Difficulty increases to 148 trillion
The latest update shows that mining difficulty is increasing to approximately 148 trillion. This level highlights the amount of computing power added to the Bitcoin network throughout the year. The mining difficulty is adjusted every two weeks to keep block production close to the 10-minute target. When miners add more machines and blocks are generated too quickly, the network responds by increasing the difficulty. When fewer miners are active, the difficulty decreases.
With this latest increase, mining has become more challenging and more expensive for operators. Miners now need stronger hardware, cheaper energy, and more efficient setups to remain profitable. Additionally, higher difficulty also means that the Bitcoin network is more secure and more resistant to attacks, as the cost of controlling the network also increases as difficulty increases.
The January 2026 forecast shows higher growth
Forecasts from early January indicate that another increase is likely. If strong participation from miners in the network continues, current estimates point to a hit of closer to $149 trillion or even higher. The expected growth is driven by the expansion of mining operations, upgrades to next-generation hardware, and continued growth in global hashrate. Even though the price of Bitcoin has been slow in the second half of the year, miners have continued to expand their setups, showing strong confidence in the long-term future of the asset.
A strong year for Bitcoin mining
The year 2025 has been a solid year for Bitcoin mining. Industry data shows that mining difficulty has increased by more than 35 percent since January, even after the halving event, which reduced block rewards. Many miners adapted by looking for cheaper electricity, improving energy efficiency, and upgrading older equipment to maintain profitability. These changes have pushed the network’s hashrate to new highs several times this year, improving Bitcoin’s overall security and decentralization.
Impact on big and small miners
For miners, increasing difficulty brings mixed results. Smaller miners or those with higher operating costs are now under pressure, and many may find it difficult to remain profitable as competition increases and there is greater demand on the network. Larger operations, particularly those with access to low-cost electricity or renewable energy, are better positioned to handle the higher difficulty. If the price of Bitcoin rises in 2026, some of this pressure may ease, but for now, competition in the mining sector remains fierce.
What does this mean for the Bitcoin market?
For the broader market, increasing difficulty is generally seen as a sign of strength. A network that continues to grow even during slow price periods reflects the long-term confidence of miners. It also increases security, which helps build confidence among investors and institutions who view Bitcoin as a long-term digital asset. A more secure network often attracts more interest, especially from those with an eye on Bitcoin for long-term stability.
Looking towards early 2026
As Bitcoin moves into 2026, attention now turns to the next difficulty adjustment expected in early January. If the predicted growth happens, it will be a strong start to the new year for the mining sector. It may also indicate that miners are expecting better market conditions or a possible change in price movement in the first quarter.
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The final difficulty adjustment of 2025 confirms that Bitcoin mining is active, competitive, and continuously growing. With another increase likely, the industry appears set to continue this momentum into the new year.
Sources
CoinWarz – Bitcoin Difficulty Forcast
Cointelegraph – Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Update