TL;DR: As of September 12, 2026, Arc’s public mainnet is scheduled for September 16. A scheduled network launch does not confirm every app, bridge or token distribution.
Sources checked September 12, 2026. Educational information, not financial advice.
The date and the distinction
Arc’s August 5 announcement gives September 16, 2026 as the public-mainnet launch date. It describes an existing private mainnet ahead of public access. Official announcement.
This article is a dated pre-launch reference. It should not be read as a claim that launch has already happened simply because the calendar reaches September 16.
What we can say today
- Public launch: scheduled for September 16.
- Wallet guide reviewed: explicitly describes Arc Testnet.
- CCTP guide reviewed: uses testnet prerequisites.
- Public mainnet transfer walkthrough: not verified in this review.
Check the actual environment named in the wallet documentation and CCTP instructions. Testnet settings are for testing; they are not a shortcut to mainnet access.
What to check after the announcement
Look for a public-mainnet confirmation, its network settings, the relevant asset contracts, and a working application for the task you want to perform. For a transfer, confirm the exact source chain, receiving asset, fees and exit route.
Evaluate applications individually. A launch presentation can mention a company that is still integrating, a service for selected institutions, or a product with geographic restrictions. None necessarily means a public consumer app is ready.
Frequently asked questions
Does mainnet launch mean an airdrop?
No. Network availability and token distribution are separate announcements. This review does not verify an airdrop or claim process.
Where can I follow the launch?
Use the official launch livestream page and current Arc documentation. Recheck the event schedule on the organizer’s page.