OpenAI’s artificial intelligence model ChatGPT projects that XRP could trade at $1.85 after Ripple completes its remaining 2026 escrow releases.
The predicted value implies a potential gain of about 22% from XRP’s press-time price of $1.52.
For the remainder of the year, Ripple is expected to unlock a gross total of 3 billion XRP between October and December.
Regarding the price outlook, ChatGPT outlined a bearish scenario in which XRP falls to between $1.20 and $1.35, a base-case range of $1.60 to $1.90, and a bullish outcome of $2.20 to $2.80.
The forecast assumes Ripple maintains its current re-escrow strategy, under which most unlocked XRP is returned to escrow rather than entering circulation.
Based on recent trends, approximately 2.1 billion XRP of the expected 3 billion XRP gross release could be re-escrowed. That would leave about 900 million XRP as net new supply entering the market after the final 2026 unlock cycle is completed.
The resulting net supply increase of roughly 900 million XRP represents less than 1% of XRP’s total 100 billion token supply.
Ripple’s unlock schedule
Ripple locked 55 billion XRP into escrow in 2017, releasing up to 1 billion XRP each month. However, the company typically re-escrows most of the unlocked tokens, recently re-locking about 700 million to 800 million XRP per month while retaining 200 million to 300 million XRP for operational and liquidity purposes.
The forecast assumes institutional demand, XRP investment products, and continued whale accumulation help absorb the additional supply entering circulation.
Meanwhile, Ripple’s practice of re-escrowing most unlocked tokens has significantly extended its original release schedule.
With an estimated 32 billion XRP still in escrow and net releases averaging about 300 million XRP per month, the remaining balance could take roughly nine years to deplete, potentially extending the program until 2035.
XRP price analysis
By press time, XRP was trading at $1.52, down 1.69% over the past seven days, though broader sentiment remained bullish.
At current levels, XRP continues to trade above its key moving averages, with the 50-day SMA at $1.34 and the 200-day SMA at $1.28. Meanwhile, the asset’s RSI stands at 56.64, indicating neutral momentum with room for further gains.
With technical indicators holding firm and sentiment remaining positive, traders will be watching whether XRP can build enough momentum to reclaim the $1.60 level in the coming days.
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