A new debate over quantum computers and Bitcoin has reportedly brought technical questions into the market conversation.
Some investors say that threat is close enough to impact prices. Capriol founder Charles Edwards has warned that Bitcoin could fall below $50,000 by 2028 unless the network becomes quantum-enabled.
Developers urge caution
Jameson Ropp, Bitcoin Core developer and co-founder of custody company Casa, argued that the transition to post-quantum cryptography will not happen quickly.
Ropp told X's followers that while quantum machines are not an immediate danger, it could “easily take five to 10 years” to migrate the protocol and user funds to a new signature method.
He agreed with Blockstream CEO Adam Back, who said the threat is not short-term, but should be watched closely.
No, quantum computers will not destroy Bitcoin in the near future. We will continue to monitor their evolution.
But making thoughtful changes to the protocol (and unprecedented capital transfers) could easily take 5-10 years.
We must hope for the best, but we must also prepare for the worst.
— Jameson Lopp (@lopp) December 21, 2025
Dividing the community over timing
The report reveals a widening gap in how the community views timelines. Some venture capitalists and investment firms say quantum risk is imminent and should be priced now.
Meanwhile, long-time Bitcoin supporters are questioning its urgency. Pierre Rochard argued that quantum-resistant fixes could be funded by nonprofits and VCs, and suggested that attacks would be so expensive that they would require government-level support.
Samson Mo, CEO of JAN3, bluntly argued that current machines “cannot factorize the number 21, not 21 million,” and asserted how far current quantum hardware is in cracking Bitcoin's code. Andreas M. Antonopoulos echoed this sentiment, noting that upgrades can be made before a real threat occurs.
What does the Bitcoin upgrade mean?
Changing Bitcoin's encryption method is different from updating regular software. According to the developers, the decentralized nature of the network, the type of wallet software used, and the large number of owners who do not actively manage their keys make widespread migration difficult.
BIP 360 is a proposal to add quantum-enabled signature methods to BTC and is being promoted by some figures. Charles Edwards is urging node operators to implement BIP 360 to accelerate its adoption, but some say enforcement and coordination will be tricky and could take years.
Ask for protocol changes
Market watchers should be aware of the difference between theory and proof. The technical camp says there is time to carefully plan and roll out changes. Investors have warned that market confidence could be shaken if immediate action is not taken.
Calls to action include funding research, testing signature replacement, and building migration tools that exchanges and wallets can use. This discussion has become public because price concerns are of practical interest, not just academic.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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