A Sept. 12 research preprint says five Lightning functions would still need separate upgrades even if Bitcoin adopts post-quantum protections. According to NS3.AI, the study proposes PQLN, a hybrid post-quantum extension built as a rust-lightning research prototype.

The preprint says post-quantum and standard test binaries could coexist, but the software remains a research artifact. It does not establish network-wide readiness, and the authors say additional upgrades would be required for the five Lightning functions.