Crypto News Today: AlphaPepe AI DEX Hits 5,000 Users While Bitcoin Price Prediction Eyes $180,000

MONACO, May 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crypto news today is turning toward AlphaPepe after the project announced that its AlphaSwap AI DEX demo has crossed 5,000 active users. The presale has raised over $1.31 million, Stage 16 remains live at $0.01751 per token, the holder count has passed 8,800, and AlphaPepe has completed a full 10/10 BlockSAFU security audit ahead of its planned Q2 2026 exchange debut.

The 5,000-user AlphaSwap milestone gives AlphaPepe a clear company update as Bitcoin price prediction headlines return to the $180,000 target, with traders watching institutional adoption, ETF demand, and US regulatory clarity as key catalysts for large-cap upside.

AlphaPepe AI DEX Hits 5,000 Users Before Exchange Debut

AlphaPepe’s AlphaSwap demo crossing 5,000 active users marks one of the strongest product milestones in the project’s presale cycle so far. The project has already raised over $1.31 million and now counts more than 8,800 holders before public trading begins. That gives AlphaPepe a stronger pre-listing base as it moves deeper into its Q2 exchange window.

Stage 16 remains active at $0.01751, and each stage transition brings the next scheduled pricing step closer. The presale structure gives buyers a visible path before the planned exchange debut while keeping attention on the next milestone. Token delivery remains instant with no vesting and no claim delay, reducing one of the common friction points that often creates uncertainty around presale launches.

The 5,000-user milestone is especially important because it comes from product usage, not only presale participation. AlphaSwap gives AlphaPepe a working AI DEX environment before listing, separating it from presales that enter public markets with only a roadmap.

AlphaSwap is designed to support safer and smarter on-chain trading. The platform includes AI contract screening, whale wallet tracking, and cross-chain execution on BSC. The contract screening layer is designed to detect risky token behavior before users interact with a smart contract. The whale tracking layer gives users visibility into large wallet movements as they happen. The cross-chain execution layer is being built to make meme coin trading faster and less fragmented.

The 10/10 BlockSAFU audit adds another layer of readiness before public trading begins. Combined with the $1.31 million raise, the 8,800 holder base, the 5,000-user AlphaSwap demo, and the planned Q2 exchange debut, AlphaPepe is building a pre-listing profile centered on execution rather than promises.

Bitcoin Price Prediction Eyes $180,000

The Bitcoin price prediction has moved back into focus after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse projected that BTC could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. The bull case is tied to improving US regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and stronger ETF demand.

ETF flows continue to support the large-cap thesis as institutional demand returns. The $180,000 target remains a conditional multi-quarter scenario. Bitcoin still needs sustained inflows, regulatory progress, and broader market strength to align. AlphaPepe’s next milestones are closer: Stage 16 progress, AlphaSwap’s full Q2 launch, and planned public exchange access.

Conclusion

AlphaPepe’s 5,000-user AlphaSwap milestone gives the release a clear company announcement during Stage 16. The project has raised over $1.31 million, passed 8,800 holders, reached more than 5,000 AlphaSwap demo users, and completed a 10/10 BlockSAFU audit ahead of its planned Q2 2026 exchange debut.

Bitcoin’s $180,000 target remains one of the major large-cap predictions in the current market, but it depends on ETF demand, regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, liquidity, and broader market strength improving over time. AlphaPepe is moving through a nearer launch window, with product testing, presale traction, holder growth, audit completion, and exchange timing already active.

That is why the 5,000-user AlphaSwap milestone matters. AlphaPepe is not entering its listing phase with only branding and a future roadmap. It has product usage, capital raised, a completed audit, and a growing community already in place as the Q2 window advances.

CLICK TO VISIT ALPHAPEPE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FAQs

What did AlphaPepe announce?
AlphaPepe announced that its AlphaSwap AI DEX demo has crossed 5,000 active users. The project has raised over $1.31 million, Stage 16 is live at $0.01751, holders have passed 8,800, and AlphaPepe has completed a 10/10 BlockSAFU audit.

What is the Bitcoin price prediction for 2026?
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has projected that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by the end of 2026. The forecast depends on improving US regulatory clarity, ETF demand, institutional adoption, and broader crypto market strength.

About AlphaPepe
AlphaPepe is building AlphaSwap, an AI-powered decentralized exchange designed to support safer and smarter on-chain trading. AlphaSwap combines AI contract screening, whale wallet tracking, and cross-chain execution on BSC to help users identify risk, monitor large wallet activity, and trade with lower friction. AlphaPepe is in Stage 16 at $0.01751, has raised over $1.31 million, passed 8,800 holders, surpassed 5,000 AlphaSwap demo users, and completed a 10/10 BlockSAFU audit ahead of its planned Q2 2026 exchange debut.

Contact:
Jack Duffy
contact@alphapepe.io

Disclaimer: This content is provided by AlphaPepe. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/251bebab-ae7c-4d08-8f6e-33fbbf57ac86

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.