The new network will be backward compatible with ENSv1, the current setup on Ethereum mainnet, from day one of launch. ENS Labs' decision to go ahead with ENSv2 follows other announcements of major crypto firms launching their own layer-2 projects. Uniswap, Kraken, and Sony's Blockchain Labs have also announced plans to launch their own rollup networks using layer-2 Optimism's technology, known as the OP Stack.
ENS Labs' co-founder and lead developer, Nick Johnson, expressed excitement for the improvements it will bring in scalability, cost, and new applications it will enable.