Zcash NU7 Network Upgrade Moves to Testnet Ahead of November Launch

Zcash has taken a significant step forward with its NU7 network upgrade, activating it on the testnet. This move comes about a month before the planned mainnet rollout, which is currently targeted for November 5. The activation occurred on block 4,465,026, mined on October 4 at 18:21:45 UTC, as confirmed by Zcash on X.

NU7 introduces several key changes to the Zcash protocol. The most notable is the reduction of the network’s target block spacing from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. Additionally, the upgrade disables version 4 transactions and integrates a Network Sustainability Mechanism, which redirects part of transaction fees into future block rewards. This could impact users holding ZEC in the legacy Sprout shielded pool, making those funds unspendable unless moved before NU7 fully activates.

The Zcash Foundation has encouraged testnet operators to use the release candidate to test NU7 under real conditions. This phase allows developers to assess the upgrade thoroughly before deciding on mainnet activation. A final decision on the mainnet activation and its activation height is scheduled for October 20, based on the testnet experience.