WuBlockchain
Zcash developers have selected block 3,543,405 for the NU7 network upgrade, expected around November 5. The change will cut block intervals from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, accelerating the chain's block cadence without altering the existing mining reward halving schedule.
Why it matters
NU7 will also shut down Zcash's original Sprout privacy system entirely. Funds not moved before activation would become unspendable, making the transition a hard migration deadline for users. As of October 21 at 08:00 UTC, the selected height had not yet been merged into the deployment specification and still had to be incorporated into node software.
NU7 will temporarily remove 60% of each block's transaction fees from circulation. Payments to miners are expected to begin around February 2031.
Market impact
The threefold interval reduction means blocks will arrive three times as quickly, shortening the wait between blocks for traders and users. The benefit is paired with implementation risk around finalizing activation and completing Sprout transfers. The November 5 timing remains contingent on merging the chosen height and incorporating it into node software.
Frequently asked questions
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When is Zcash NU7 expected to activate?
NU7 is expected around November 5 at block 3,543,405. The selected height must still be merged into the deployment specification and incorporated into node software.
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How much faster will Zcash produce blocks after NU7?
Block intervals will fall from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. That is a threefold increase in block-production cadence, with the existing mining reward halving schedule preserved.
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What happens to funds left in Zcash's Sprout system?
Sprout will shut down entirely when NU7 activates. Any funds not moved before activation would become unspendable.
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How will NU7 affect fees and miner payments?
NU7 will temporarily remove 60% of each block's transaction fees from circulation. Payments to miners are expected to begin around February 2031.
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What must happen before Zcash can activate NU7?
The chosen activation height must be merged into the deployment specification and incorporated into node software. Until both implementation steps are complete, the timing remains contingent.
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