Zcash Testnet Accelerates to 25-Second Blocks Ahead of Schedule

Zcash’s public testnet has started producing blocks every 25 seconds, a day earlier than the expected October 6 activation. This change, part of the NU7 upgrade, reduces the block target from 75 seconds, allowing for faster transaction confirmations. The next few weeks will test whether wallets, exchanges, miners, and node operators can adapt to the new pace before the planned November 5 mainnet rollout.

The shorter block interval means transactions will receive their first confirmation in about 25 seconds on average, down from 75 seconds. However, services like exchanges and merchants may still require additional confirmations before considering a payment final. The upgrade also ensures that Zcash’s issuance schedule, halving rhythm, and 21 million ZEC supply cap remain unchanged.

NU7 introduces other changes, such as adjusting the Network Sustainability Mechanism, where 60% of transaction fees go into a reserve for future mining rewards. The live run on the testnet will also verify reward calculations and shielded-transaction limits. While this upgrade improves block production timing, it is separate from Zcash’s broader privacy-scaling efforts, such as Project Tachyon.

The November 5 mainnet activation date is tentative and depends on the results of the testnet phase. Developers need to ensure that all infrastructure components work seamlessly under the new rules before proceeding.