Zcash NU7 Upgrade Activates on Testnet Ahead of November 5 Mainnet Launch
Zcash has successfully activated the NU7 network upgrade on its testnet, marking a significant step toward its planned mainnet launch on November 5. The upgrade, which was triggered at block height 4,465,026 on October 4 at 18:21:45 UTC, aims to reduce the network's target block interval from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. The upgrade also includes the deactivation of version 4 transactions and the introduction of a sustainability mechanism that recycles a portion of transaction fees for future block rewards.
One critical aspect of the NU7 upgrade is the deactivation of version 4 transactions, which means users holding ZEC in the older Sprout shielded pool must transfer their funds before the upgrade fully activates or risk losing access to those funds. The current price of ZEC is approximately $1,315.66.
The Zcash Foundation has urged testnet operators to thoroughly test the NU7 upgrade under real conditions. Based on the testnet's performance, developers plan to make a final decision on the mainnet activation and determine the activation block height by October 20. The target date for the mainnet activation remains November 5.