Bitcoin's Next Bull Run: What 2026 Might Hold and Beyond the Four-Year Pattern

Some major crypto asset managers are bullish on Bitcoin heading into 2026, suggesting we could see fresh all-time highs. But here's the kicker—they're questioning whether the traditional four-year halving cycle still holds the same weight it used to.

The argument goes like this: institutional adoption, ETF inflows, and macro shifts have fundamentally changed how Bitcoin responds to its own supply dynamics. Instead of the predictable boom-bust pattern tied to the halving schedule, we might be looking at something messier and more influenced by broader market forces.

That said, the institutional narrative remains bullish. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have shown real staying power, and large asset managers see 2026 as a potential inflection point—though whether that comes from cycle mechanics or just pure demand is the real question.

The takeaway? Bitcoin might be entering new territory where traditional cycle analysis feels incomplete. The old playbook isn't dead, but it's definitely being rewritten.