Tether launched MiningOS, an open-source operating system for Bitcoin mining, on February 2, 2026. The stablecoin issuer unveiled the software at the Plan ₿ Forum in San Salvador.
MiningOS, also called MOS, provides a modular platform for managing mining hardware, energy consumption, and site infrastructure. The system operates on a peer-to-peer architecture that eliminates centralized servers.
The software scales from small home setups to industrial operations with hundreds of thousands of machines. Tether released MOS under the Apache 2.0 license, allowing free use and modification.
Bitcoin mining traditionally relies on proprietary software from a few vendors. Tether's open-source approach aims to reduce dependency on these closed systems and lower entry barriers for new miners.
MOS treats each mining component as a controllable "worker" within a unified operational layer. This replaces fragmented software stacks that manage hardware, power, and cooling separately.
The system monitors hashrate performance, device health, and energy efficiency through a single dashboard. Operators gain real-time visibility across their entire mining environment.
Tether also announced a Mining Software Development Kit alongside MOS. The SDK provides tools for developers to build custom mining applications without recreating device integrations.
CEO Paolo Ardoino first previewed the open-source mining operating system in mid-2025. The company positioned MOS as a challenge to proprietary mining management software that dominates the industry.
MiningOS uses Holepunch peer-to-peer protocols for device communication. This architecture removes reliance on cloud-based control layers and third-party dependencies.
The software supports various mining hardware without vendor lock-in. Operators can deploy MOS across heterogeneous fleets without restructuring existing infrastructure.
Tether reported more than $10 billion in net profit in 2025. The company has expanded beyond stablecoins into tokenized gold, payments, and now mining infrastructure.
By early 2026, Tether held approximately 96,185 BTC worth over $8 billion. These holdings place the company among the largest corporate Bitcoin holders globally, alongside other major corporate buyers like Metaplanet which has been accumulating Bitcoin.
The launch comes during a period of reduced profitability for Bitcoin miners. Network hashrate fell below 1,000 exahash per second earlier this year for the first time since September.
Hash price declined to around $35-$40 per petahash per second per day by late 2025. Average cash costs for public miners were estimated near $44 during the same period, as Bitcoin traded below $90,000 in late December.
Tether established a dedicated Discord channel for community development of MiningOS. The company encourages collaboration on future improvements to the platform.
The Mining SDK will be finalized in collaboration with the open-source community in coming months. Tether aims to enable customized tool development while maintaining compatibility with MOS core.
MOS represents Tether's expansion into Bitcoin mining infrastructure. The company has invested nearly $2 billion into mining and energy businesses over recent years.
Ardoino stated ambitions to become one of the largest Bitcoin miners globally. The open-source software release supports this goal while promoting network decentralization.
MiningOS eliminates recurring licensing fees charged by commercial mining software providers. This could improve profit margins for smaller operators facing economic pressure.
The software's modular design allows separate components to link through a shared framework. Each function operates as an independent app connected via API layer.
Tether tested MOS at its own mining facilities before public release. The company emphasized real-world validation of the production-ready system.
Operators can adjust performance settings through a companion platform depending on their scale. The flexibility accommodates everything from Raspberry Pi setups to multi-site industrial deployments.
The peer-to-peer approach provides resilience against single points of failure. Devices communicate directly without centralized services that could experience outages.
Tether's move into mining software adds to its expanding digital asset ecosystem footprint. The company continues diversifying beyond its core USDT stablecoin business.
MOS availability marks a shift toward open infrastructure in Bitcoin mining. The release challenges established proprietary systems that have controlled the industry for years.
Developers can access MiningOS source code on GitHub under Apache 2.0 terms. Documentation provides implementation guidance for operators of all sizes.
The software's hardware-agnostic design supports popular mining machines from multiple vendors. This contrasts with solutions tied to specific manufacturer ecosystems.
Tether's Bitcoin reserves link the company closely to mining economics. The firm began allocating profits to Bitcoin purchases starting in 2023.
Network hashrate dipped to 870 exahash per second following winter storms and reduced profitability. Difficulty adjustments have provided temporary margin relief for remaining miners.
MiningOS represents Tether's strategic push into Bitcoin infrastructure layers. The company positions itself as both a major holder and infrastructure provider in the ecosystem.
The open-source release could accelerate collaboration on mining management tools. Community development may produce alternatives to vendor-controlled software stacks.
Tether characterizes MOS as "the sovereign OS for Bitcoin mining."
The description emphasizes independence from proprietary systems and centralized control.
Operators worldwide can now deploy MiningOS without licensing restrictions. The software's availability under permissive open-source terms enables broad adoption.
February 2, 2026 marked Tether's official entry into Bitcoin mining infrastructure. The MiningOS launch establishes the company as a direct competitor to established proprietary software providers.
