The IOTA community continues to debate the project’s long-term direction following co-founder Dominik Schiener’s recent Community AMA, with supporters and critics offering sharply different interpretations of what the TWIN initiative means for the future of the IOTA token.
The discussion gained momentum after several community members suggested Schiener’s comments signaled a shift away from cryptocurrency toward building TWIN as a cross-border logistics technology platform. Others strongly rejected that interpretation, arguing that TWIN is fundamentally built on IOTA’s blockchain infrastructure and cannot operate without the native token.
The differing views highlight an important question facing investors: if TWIN succeeds commercially, how directly will that success translate into value for the IOTA ecosystem?
Supporters Say TWIN Strengthens Rather Than Replaces IOTA
One of the strongest responses came from longtime community member Ottoverbull, who dismissed claims that Schiener was abandoning IOTA in favor of becoming solely a technology entrepreneur.
According to this view, TWIN should not be seen as a replacement for IOTA but as an enterprise application built directly on the network’s Rebased Layer 1 blockchain. Supporters argue that every transaction recorded through TWIN requires IOTA as network gas, making the token an essential component of the platform’s operation.
Related: IOTA Community AMA: Price Outlook, TWIN Progress, Kraken Delisting, and What’s Next
This interpretation aligns with Schiener’s explanation during the AMA, where he described TWIN as being fully built on IOTA’s infrastructure. Rather than positioning the token as the end product, the Foundation now appears focused on driving enterprise adoption first, with blockchain usage expected to grow alongside commercial activity.
Supporters believe this represents a more sustainable model than relying primarily on speculative market demand. If governments, logistics providers, and international trade organizations increasingly use TWIN, network transactions—and by extension demand for IOTA as the settlement layer—could expand over time.
Critics Question Adoption, Technology, and Long-Term Token Value
Not everyone shares that optimistic outlook. Some community analysts interpreted the AMA as evidence that IOTA is evolving into a technology company whose commercial success may not necessarily benefit token holders to the degree many investors expect.
One critic argued that the IOTA token has effectively become “a means to an end,” raising concerns that future technical developments or changing business requirements could eventually reduce its importance. Others questioned whether the blockchain can maintain sufficient developer activity, attract stablecoin infrastructure, and compete with larger Layer 1 ecosystems as enterprise adoption expands.
Additional concerns focused on exchange listings, liquidity, and execution risk. Community members pointed to recent delistings from Bullish and delays surrounding a Kraken listing as examples of the challenges still facing the ecosystem. Questions also remain around the rollout of government-backed projects such as Kenya’s digital trade infrastructure and whether TWIN can deliver meaningful transaction volumes in the coming years.
Some investors viewed Schiener’s candid assessment as refreshingly transparent, while others interpreted it as confirmation that IOTA faces a lengthy road before enterprise adoption can materially influence token demand.
Related: IOTA Has Never Been More Useful—So Why Is the Price Near Record Lows?
Ultimately, both sides agree on one point: execution will determine the outcome. If TWIN successfully attracts governments, logistics companies, and global trade participants while continuing to rely on IOTA’s Layer 1 infrastructure, supporters believe the token could benefit from increased on-chain activity. However, if adoption falls short or technical priorities shift, critics argue that investor expectations may need to be reassessed.
For now, the debate reflects the broader transition taking place across the blockchain industry, where long-term value is increasingly expected to come from real-world utility rather than speculation alone. As TWIN moves from development into deployment, investors will be watching closely to see whether commercial adoption translates into measurable activity across the IOTA network.
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