BTC Block rewards Has Become More Challenging: Will Apple Engineers Restore Profitability to Block rewards?

The process of Bitcoin crypto mining, foundational to the leading and most valuable crypto asset network globally, has reached unprecedented levels of difficulty. The simplicity of activating a personal computer or laptop for mining is now a thing of the past. Although “mining miracles” can still occur, with individual miners occasionally finding success in confirming blocks, such occurrences are exceptionally rare. By 2025, BTC crypto mining has become the domain of extensive, multi-million-dollar operations utilizing state-of-the-art ASICs paired with modern, efficient cooling solutions.

As Bitcoin ▲0.18% values rise, so do the expenses associated with block rewards. As of August 19, 2025, the network is secured by a hash rate of 977 EH/s, with block rewards difficulty reaching all-time highs. The hash rate represents the cumulative computing power harnessed by miners worldwide for the privilege of confirming BTC transactions approximately every 10 minutes. Additionally, BTC difficulty is recalibrated roughly every two weeks to keep block confirmation times around 10 minutes.

(Source: Mempool Space)

There is a direct relationship between hash rate and block rewards difficulty. As an increasing number of miners contribute hash rate to fortify the protocol, the difficulty escalates accordingly, guaranteeing that only the most potent and efficient rigs, pools, or mining entities can reap block rewards.

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Proto to the Rescue: Will They Resolve the Hamster Wheel of Costs?

This intricate connection between hash rate, difficulty, surging Bitcoin values, and widespread adoption is prompting innovators to rethink their approach. The latest initiative is spearheaded by Jack Dorsey at Proto, a subdivision of Block, Inc., a public organization in the U.S. Notably, Proto boasts a team of engineers who contributed to the development of the iPhone, focusing on addressing the major flaws in BTC mining. They are channeling millions into creating specialized rigs intended to revolutionize the BTC block rewards sector.

And their reasoning is sound. Over time, Bitcoin mining has increasingly marginalized solo miners, particularly as the hash rate grows. While soaring BTC prices are generally a good sign, they have led to the hash rate reaching unprecedented levels, even following the Bitcoin Halving event in April 2024. The Halving has reduced crypto mining from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 Bitcoin, squeezing miners’ margins considerably, and even though spot prices remain elevated, only the most effective operators can maintain profitability.

To maximize efficiency, miners must utilize the latest and most advanced crypto mining equipment. Bitmain’s upcoming Antminer S23 Hyd 3U, expected in January 2026, is projected to achieve a hash rate of 1.16 PH/s, anticipated to generate daily income of $65.19 before expenses based on current Bitcoin valuations. Released in November 2024, the Antminer S21E XP Hyd 3U offers 860 TH/s of hash rate and daily earnings of $48.33.

(Source: Whattomine)

Mining facilities aiming to upgrade and implement the newest rigs frequently need to replace entire systems or modify existing cooling or electrical setups, leading to costs that can run into millions.

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Proto Has a Plan: Will Their Design Save Costs?

Designers are reverting to fundamental principles to cut expenses, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul. Proto has unveiled their strategy at Core Scientific’s facility in Georgia, uniting top engineers to tackle the BTC crypto mining dilemma.

Their rigs are envisioned as permanent assets rather than disposable devices. At the heart of this concept is the Proto rig, a modular Bitcoin mining system designed for a lifespan of up to ten years. It features easily swappable components that allow for the quick, tool-free replacement of boards, fans, and power supplies.

Each rig boasts a hash rate of 819 TH/s at an efficiency of 14.1 J/TH, paralleling Bitmain’s performance while providing improved durability. Proto rigs are built to endure, enabling miners to combine old and new technologies without incurring expensive retrofitting expenses. The rig operates using an open-source 3nm ASIC chip that welcomes developer customization and innovation.

Today marks the end of rip and replace Bitcoin crypto mining. Proto Rig—the first miner built to be infrastructure.

• Replaceable hashboards
• Save 15–20% with each cycle
• Works with legacy facilities setups

Built by the team at Block to improve uptime for miners and decentralize… pic.twitter.com/8qAgntl3DF

— Proto (@protomining) August 14, 2025

The chip is not the only open-source aspect of Proto’s approach. The Proto Fleet, also free and open-source, enhances mining operations with abilities such as detailed power consumption monitoring, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and scalable price floor for both small and large-scale miners.

Proto is additionally providing a Crypto mining Development Kit (MDK), which equips developers with ASIC designs, firmware, and APIs. These resources empower developers to create tailored BTC block rewards solutions, even for home setups utilizing renewable energy. The MDK seeks to democratize access, attracting more participants and mitigating Bitcoin’s current centralization issues, reinforcing its status as one of the top cryptos to purchase.

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Can Proto Make Bitcoin Block rewards Profitable Again?

Proto is tackling fundamental inefficiencies in the BTC mining landscape. By open-sourcing its chip and the Proto Fleet management system, the company could pave the way for a more decentralized BTC mining ecosystem in the years ahead. Additionally, significant players using Proto rigs can modernize without incurring vast expenditures on infrastructure.

Should Proto fulfill its vision of sustainable infrastructure with replaceable components, akin to Google’s data centers, the BTC platform could evolve to be more robust, varied, and inclusive of smaller participants, reminiscent of its earlier days. Presently, large mining pools dominate the BTC mining domain.

(Source: MemPool)

Notably, however, Proto’s rigs encounter obstacles. Critics suggest that their designs are comparatively more expensive than other options, which could dissuade smaller miners. At present, the rigs are out of stock.

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