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ZEC $1,322 Zcash NU7 goes live on testnet with 25 second blocks
The testnet rollout lets developers test faster blocks and a new fee structure ahead of a potential Nov. 5 mainnet launch.
Key takeaways
- Block time drops to 25s. NU7 cuts Zcash's target block spacing from 75 seconds to 25 seconds.
- Testnet review set for Oct. 20. Developers will assess testnet results on Oct. 20 to finalize mainnet activation plans.
- Mainnet targeted for Nov. 5. The NU7 mainnet rollout is currently targeted for Nov. 5, pending testnet review.
What happened
Zcash's NU7 network upgrade activated on the protocol's public testnet on Oct. 4, at block height 4,465,026. The testnet launch puts the upgrade's core protocol changes into live real-world testing ahead of a planned mainnet deployment. Key changes include a reduction in target block spacing from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, a new Network Sustainability Mechanism that redirects a portion of transaction fees to future block rewards, and new limits on shielded transaction actions to reduce spam risk. After mainnet activation, Version 4 transactions will be disabled, and any ZEC held in the legacy Sprout shielded pool will become unspendable if holders do not move their funds prior to launch.
Why it matters
The shorter block interval will cut the average wait time for a first transaction confirmation from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, according to the Zcash Foundation. The proposed timing change received overwhelming backing from ZEC holders in a pre-upgrade governance poll, with roughly 99.9% of participating coins supporting the 25-second block target. The upgrade also adjusts ZEC issuance to match the higher block production rate, so miners will not receive three times as much daily ZEC despite the tripled block output.
What is still unclear
- The final mainnet activation block height has not yet been confirmed, and the Nov. 5 launch date remains tentative pending the Oct. 20 testnet review.
Questions readers ask
What is Zcash NU7?
NU7 is a network upgrade for the Zcash protocol that introduces faster block times, a new fee redistribution mechanism, and updated limits on shielded transaction actions.
When will Zcash NU7 launch on mainnet?
The mainnet activation is currently targeted for Nov. 5, 2026, but the final date will be confirmed after developers review testnet results on Oct. 20.
Will my Zcash be affected by NU7?
Funds held in the legacy Sprout shielded pool will become unspendable after mainnet activation unless holders move them to a supported pool before launch. All other ZEC holdings are not impacted.
