Bitcoin’s recent price stagnation has ignited a fresh discussion surrounding the risks posed by quantum computing. Investor Nic Carter contends that concerns about quantum technology are already influencing market dynamics. On-chain analysts and notable investors argue that the recent slowdown can be more accurately attributed to significant holders cashing out and a surge in supply entering the market near the $100,000 mark. Many bitcoin developers continue to perceive quantum attacks as a remote and manageable concern. They highlight that suggested upgrades such as BIP-360 offer a route to quantum-resistant security and are not expected to influence short-term price fluctuations. Bitcoin’s recent price weakness has reignited discussions around quantum computing, with a prominent investor claiming it is already influencing market dynamics. Meanwhile, on-chain analysts suggest that the primary factor at play is more traditional selling pressure.
In 2025, Bitcoin experienced significant sell-side pressure from HODLers, a move that could have decimated previous bull runs three times over, and then some. Notable bitcoin investor and author Vijay Boyapati echoed similar sentiments: “The real explanation is really just the unlocking of an enormous supply once we hit a magic number for a lot of whales (100k).” Quantum computing has been a topic of ongoing debate regarding its potential threat to the cryptographic underpinnings of bitcoin.
Advanced machines operating on algorithms like Shor’s have the potential, in theory, to dismantle the elliptic curve cryptography that safeguards wallets. Nevertheless, the consensus among developers is that these machines are still decades from being practically deployed. The prevailing sentiment continues to be strong within bitcoin’s technical community. Adam Back has characterized the threat as highly unlikely, asserting that even in the most dire situations, there would be no immediate or widespread loss of funds across the network. Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 360 is set to introduce quantum-resistant address formats and has already laid out a gradual migration path in anticipation of potential future needs. The subject has once again captured the spotlight as several traditional finance figures have voiced their concerns.
Earlier this month, Christopher Wood made headlines by removing bitcoin from a model portfolio, pointing to quantum computing as a significant long-term risk factor. As previously reported, the real challenge lies not in bitcoin’s ability to adapt to a quantum future, but rather in the duration it would take for such an upgrade, should it ever become necessary. The timeline spans years rather than market cycles, rendering it an improbable rationale for short-term price movements.