Pi Coin (PI) traded around $0.086 on the 18th (local time), giving back its recent gains. It had risen to as high as $0.094 before returning to its existing trading range. According to overseas crypto media outlet CoinGape, the decline left PI trading roughly 70% below this year's high.

The Market Rises, but Pi Coin Stays Put

Over the same period, the overall cryptocurrency market rose 0.70% over 24 hours, bringing total market capitalization to $2.21 trillion. Bitcoin traded at around $64,000 and Ethereum near $1,900. CoinGape reported that even this market uptrend offered little help to PI, and that sustained demand is still needed.

Pi Network to Adjust App Studio Fees from the 24th

According to CoinGape, Pi Network will adjust Pi App Studio fees starting on the 24th (local time). The change reduces the initial subsidy level, altering the costs applied when creating new apps or modifying existing ones.

Currently, the Pi App Studio charges 0.25 PI to create an app, with each subsequent modification also costing 0.25 PI. However, CoinGape, citing Pi Network, reported that the current fee is lower than the actual cost of providing the AI-based development service. Pi Network has been subsidizing the shortfall so developers could explore the platform and test various ideas.

Pi Network announced through its official account on the 17th (local time) that it would change the app creation fee structure of the Pi App Studio on the 24th.

New Fees Based on AI Resources... Support to Be 'Selective'

According to CoinGape, accumulated operational data has helped Pi Network understand developer behavior and identify apps that attract real users. Based on this, Pi Network plans to tailor its support toward projects with the potential to generate real value.

The new base fee will be determined by the AI resources used when creating or modifying apps. CoinGape reported that costs may vary depending on the complexity of requests and the computational power required. Pi Network stated it will not add any separate profit margin above the actual cost of AI services.

Cost subsidies will continue, but not all developers will receive support in the same way as before. According to CoinGape, support will now go first to developers actively building apps that function in practice and have measurable utility value. The aim is to reduce spending on low-impact projects and concentrate support on apps that contribute to ecosystem growth.

PI Trapped in a Narrow Range..."Breaking $0.094 Is Key"

CoinGape noted that despite Pi Network's continued product development, PI has mostly traded sideways in a narrow range over recent months. It assessed that recent network milestones have not generated enough momentum to reverse the overall downtrend.

CoinGape forecast that if PI breaks above $0.094, the likelihood of a price recovery increases, potentially approaching $0.10. Conversely, it analyzed that if weakness continues below $0.086, the support level near $0.08 could come under threat. CoinGape also expects market participants to watch developer activity once the new fees take effect. Increased app usage could improve market sentiment around PI, but more progress is needed for a sustained price recovery.

RSI at 49.51, CMF at 0.16...Capital Inflows Continue

According to CoinGape, Pi Coin traded at $0.08713 on the 18th, down 0.68% over the last four hours. Despite ongoing market uncertainty, it held above the key support level of $0.085.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 49.51. CoinGape described this as a relatively balanced level between buying and selling pressure, rather than overbought. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) remained positive at 0.16, which CoinGape said shows capital inflows continuing despite limited price movement.

Support at $0.085, Resistance at $0.090

According to a TradingView four-hour chart cited by CoinGape, PI is trading sideways between $0.085 and $0.090. Notably, the $0.085 level has repeatedly prevented further declines recently. PI is currently trading below the $0.090 resistance level, which has blocked multiple recovery attempts.

CoinGape projected that a breakout above this price could open the way toward $0.095, with the next major upside target at $0.10. It explained that $0.10 is a psychologically significant level where trading was previously active, near the July high. However, if PI fails to hold $0.085, the short-term outlook could weaken, with the price potentially slipping to $0.082 before testing the $0.080 support level.

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