Stellar RPC, formerly known as Soroban RPC, has been rebranded with Protocol 22 to serve as the unified data access layer for all Stellar developers. The rename reflects the tool's broader applicability beyond smart contracts and positions it as the recommended entry point for new builders, moving away from the increasingly impractical Horizon infrastructure.
The Stellar Development Foundation has rebranded Soroban RPC to Stellar RPC with Protocol 22, signaling a shift toward unified data access for all Stellar developers. The previous name created confusion by suggesting the tool was specific to smart contracts, when it actually supports access to all Stellar network data. Stellar RPC is a lightweight, real-time data access tool optimized for developers building wallets, issuing assets, or monitoring network activity. Unlike Horizon, which maintains full historical data and is increasingly impractical as network activity grows, Stellar RPC provides a streamlined alternative. The SDF is moving beyond Horizon to foster a more decentralized ecosystem where developers can build tailored solutions. Horizon will continue receiving protocol updates but won't see new smart contract features or significant performance overhauls, while Stellar RPC represents the future of Stellar data infrastructure.
