- Zcash activated NU7 on testnet at block 4,465,026.
- NU7 cuts target block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds.
Zcash has successfully deployed its NU7 network upgrade on the public testnet, bringing the protocol a step closer to its anticipated mainnet launch in November. The activation occurred at block 4,465,026 on October 4, arriving ahead of its initially scheduled October 6 deployment.
With NU7, Zcash’s target block time shrinks from 75 seconds down to 25 seconds. This adjustment aims to lower the average wait time for an initial confirmation to roughly 25 seconds, while daily ZEC issuance stays the same. The per-block reward is recalibrated to maintain the current issuance model and halving timeline intact.
Furthermore, the upgrade brings in the Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM). Under this fresh framework, 60% of transaction fees are directed into a reserve, leaving the remaining 40% for miners. A portion of this reserve can later be reallocated as block rewards. The strict 21 million ZEC supply limit is completely unaffected.
NU7 Changes Shielded Transactions as ZEC Recovers
To handle network and wallet workloads smoothly amid shorter block times, NU7 also places caps on shielded transactions. It establishes limits of 330 Orchard or Ironwood actions alongside 300 Sapling inputs and outputs, paired with a shared budget of 330 actions.
Additionally, the upgrade renders version 4 transactions invalid. Because the older Sprout privacy protocol depends on version 4 transactions, any ZEC left in the Sprout pool when NU7 hits mainnet will become unspendable unless transferred prior to the event. Transactions of version 5 and version 6 continue to be fully valid.
Development teams are slated to evaluate testnet performance on October 20 before finalizing the mainnet activation height. The provisional date for the NU7 mainnet rollout is November 5, pending the outcome of that evaluation.
In the wake of the testnet activation, ZEC is exchanging hands near $1,335, registering a 2.9% increase over 24 hours. It boasts a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $625 million alongside a market capitalization sitting close to $22.48 billion. Even so, ZEC remains down roughly 15.6% across the previous seven days, spanning a 24-hour range of roughly $1,308 to $1,362.
This price action places near-term chart resistance between $1,350 and $1,462, while $1,284 acts as the immediate downside mark relative to the current 24-hour window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What block did the Zcash NU7 upgrade activate on the testnet?
The NU7 upgrade went live on the public testnet at block 4,465,026 on October 4.
How does NU7 affect Zcash block times and supply?
NU7 reduces target block times from 75 seconds down to 25 seconds. Daily ZEC issuance and the maximum 21 million supply cap remain completely unchanged.
What is the Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM)?
NSM is a new system where 60% of transaction fees are allocated to a reserve—part of which can later be reissued as block rewards—while miners receive the remaining 40%.
When is the NU7 mainnet launch expected?
Developers plan to review testnet results on October 20 to set the mainnet activation height, with a provisional target date of November 5.
