CoinDesk
Zcash activated its NU7 upgrade on a public test network, cutting the target block time from 75 seconds to 25 ahead of a planned Nov. 5 mainnet rollout. The upgrade went live at block 4,465,026, giving developers, exchanges and wallet operators a chance to test the changes before they affect real ZEC.
Why it matters
More frequent blocks could shorten waits for payment acceptance and exchange deposits. A service that continues to wait for three confirmations would face a targeted wait of about 75 seconds instead of 225, though actual block times vary.
NU7 also changes Zcash’s fee and privacy-system rules. Miners receive 40% of transaction fees, while the remaining 60% goes to a reserve intended to fund future mining rewards. Per-block rewards fall to one-third, preserving the scheduled issuance of ZEC rather than increasing coin creation as blocks become more frequent.
Market impact
Both major node programs support the public test: Zakura released its implementation Oct. 1, and the Zcash Foundation published a test version of Zebra the next day. Operators need compatible software to follow the upgraded network. The earlier, separate testing network has been shut down.
NU7 also disables transactions using Sprout, Zcash’s oldest private-payment system. Holders with funds there need to move them before mainnet activation to retain access through the existing system. Developers plan to review test results and decide on activation Oct. 20; Nov. 5 remains the target, with no mainnet activation block set yet.
Frequently asked questions
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How much could NU7 shorten a three-confirmation wait?
At the target block time, a service keeping three confirmations would face a wait of about 75 seconds instead of 225. Actual block times vary.
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How does NU7 divide Zcash transaction fees?
Miners receive 40% of transaction fees. The remaining 60% goes to a reserve intended to fund future mining rewards.
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Why does faster block production not increase ZEC issuance?
NU7 reduces the scheduled reward per block to one-third, preserving ZEC’s issuance schedule as blocks become more frequent.
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What must holders of Sprout funds do before mainnet activation?
They need to move funds held in Sprout before activation to retain the ability to spend them through the existing system.
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When will developers decide whether to activate NU7 on mainnet?
Developers plan to review test results and decide on activation Oct. 20. Nov. 5 remains the target, and no mainnet activation block has been set.
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