The Bitcoin halving is an event that occurs approximately every four years, or after every 210,000 blocks are mined on the Bitcoin blockchain. During this event, Bitcoin miners reward for verifying and adding new transactions to the blockchain is halved. This process is programmed into the Bitcoin protocol to control the issuance of new bitcoins and ensure that the total supply does not exceed 21 million.
The halving events are significant because they directly impact the rate at which new bitcoins are created. The most recent Bitcoin halving occurred in 2024, reducing the block reward from 6.25 to 3.125 bitcoins bitcoins. The next halving is expected to occur in 2028, at which point the reward will be further reduced.
The halving is often associated with increased attention and speculation in Bitcoin, some believe it can have an impact on the supply and demand for Bitcoin, potentially influencing its price. However, it is essential to note that various factors contribute to the value of Bitcoin, and the halving is just one of them.