Ethereum and Base developers are pursuing separate paths for wallet standards due to differing priorities, as announced by Ethlabs researcher Derek Chiang.
The development teams behind Ethereum and Base have opted to pursue independent paths for their account abstraction proposals, EIP-8141 and EIP-8130. This shift was revealed by Ethlabs researcher Derek Chiang, who expressed disappointment over the collaboration's breakdown.
Chiang remarked, "I'm sad to report that the AA collab between 8130 and 8141 (Frames) broke down last week, and Base and Ethereum are now going separate ways to implement different AA standards."
Both EIP-8141 and EIP-8130 aim to enhance wallet functionalities directly within the blockchain protocol, facilitating transaction confirmations via smartphone access keys, consolidating actions into single transactions, and allowing designated parties to cover fees.
Reasons for the Split
The initial goal was to create a shared standard, but discussions faltered due to contrasting visions. Ethereum developers emphasized censorship resistance, privacy, and security, whereas Base focused on scalability, customization, and regulatory compliance. Chiang noted, "We found several technical solutions, but each required one side to concede on key goals."
As a result, both teams decided to advance their proposals independently.
Should these strategies be implemented, wallet developers will need to support two separate transaction formats for Ethereum and Base, potentially complicating their work. Chiang indicated that while users might not perceive noticeable differences, the underlying development efforts could increase.
Distinct Features of the Proposals
EIP-8141 introduces a framework that segments transactions into programmable stages, termed “frames,” which authenticate senders, designate fee payers, and execute specified actions. This design allows for flexibility in transaction confirmation methods without needing asset transfers to new addresses, including transitioning to alternative signing schemes viewed as a defensive measure against future quantum threats. Additionally, it offers batch processing and the ability for fees to be paid from a different account, mitigating the need for users to preload ETH in every wallet.
Conversely, EIP-8130, crafted by Coinbase engineer Chris Hunter, proposes a distinctive approach by storing account configurations—such as authorized keys and confirmation methods—in a separate on-chain Keystore. This enables wallets to pre-specify confirmation methods for transactions, streamlining computations on nodes without executing arbitrary code, and focusing on standard authentication methods for high-performance Layer 2 networks.
Both proposals remain in draft form and may evolve further, with EIP-8141 being prioritized for the upcoming Hegota upgrade. The timeline for EIP-8130's implementation is yet to be determined, but it will be critical for the future of Ethereum's enhancement efforts.
