The new network charges transaction fees in USDC instead of Ethereum to lower costs for users and developers. Arc launched with 11 institutional validators and reached $300 million in total value locked within its first 24 hours. Total USDC transaction volume for the blockchain's first day reached $3.5 billion, an achievement that occurred alongside the minting of 10 billion ARC tokens.

Circle established a $10,000 microgrant program to encourage the creation of agent-ready applications on the mainnet. The initiative awards $500 each to 20 developers who build functional mini-apps, with an application window that remains open through October 14.