Bitcoin mining difficulty drops 2.3% as hashrate falls below 1 zettahash, signaling miner pressure but network stability.

Bitcoin's mining difficulty decreased by 2.3% on May 1, 2026, following a drop in hashrate below the symbolic 1 zettahash per second mark. This adjustment, the sixth difficulty reduction in 2026, reflects miners scaling back operations due to economic pressures, though the network remains robust with high computing power. The hashprice has slightly improved, offering some relief to miners, but profitability remains tight. The next difficulty adjustment around May 17 will be crucial to watch for signs of recovery or further decline in mining activity.