- Zcash activated NU7 on testnet at block 4,465,026.
- NU7 cuts target block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds.
Zcash has successfully rolled out its NU7 network upgrade on the public testnet, bringing the protocol a step closer to its scheduled mainnet launch in November. Activation took place at block 4,465,026 on October 4, beating the previously anticipated October 6 activation date.
With NU7, Zcash’s target block time is shortened from 75 seconds down to 25 seconds. This adjustment aims to lower the average wait time for a first confirmation to roughly 25 seconds. Daily ZEC issuance stays the same, as per-block rewards are adjusted correspondingly to maintain the existing issuance framework and halving schedule.
Additionally, the upgrade introduces the Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM). Under this new structure, miners receive 40% of transaction fees, while the remaining 60% is directed into a reserve. Portions of this reserve can later be reissued as block rewards. The strict 21 million ZEC supply limit remains unaltered.
NU7 Changes Shielded Transactions as ZEC Recovers
To handle increased network and wallet workloads caused by faster block creation, NU7 applies new limits to shielded activity. It sets caps of 330 Orchard or Ironwood actions alongside 300 Sapling inputs and outputs, plus a shared budget of 330 actions.
Version 4 transactions are also rendered invalid by the upgrade. Because the older Sprout privacy protocol depends on version 4 transactions, any ZEC left in the Sprout pool when NU7 hits the mainnet will become unspendable unless transferred prior to the upgrade. Version 5 and version 6 transactions will continue to be valid.
Developers plan to evaluate the testnet performance on October 20 prior to determining the mainnet activation height. Pending this evaluation, the mainnet launch for NU7 is currently targeted for November 5.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the NU7 testnet deployment, ZEC changes hands near $1,335, registering a 24-hour gain of roughly 2.9%. It posts a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $625 million alongside a market capitalization around $22.48 billion. Even so, ZEC remains down about 15.6% over the trailing seven days, moving within a 24-hour band of about $1,308 to $1,362.
These price levels place near-term chart resistance around $1,350 to $1,462, while $1,284 stands as the immediate support level drawn from the current 24-hour range.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Zcash NU7 upgrade go live on the testnet?
NU7 activated on the public testnet at block 4,465,026 on October 4.
How does NU7 alter Zcash block times and issuance?
NU7 decreases target block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. Daily ZEC issuance and the 21 million supply limit remain identical, with per-block rewards adjusted to fit the new speed.
What is the Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM)?
Introduced in NU7, the NSM allocates 40% of transaction fees to miners and places 60% into a reserve that can later be reissued as block rewards.
What happens to older Sprout pool funds during the upgrade?
Version 4 transactions are invalidated by NU7. Because Sprout relies on version 4 transactions, funds remaining in the Sprout pool when mainnet activates will become unspendable unless moved ahead of time.
When is the NU7 mainnet launch expected?
Following a testnet review scheduled for October 20, mainnet activation is currently targeted for November 5.
