- Zcash developers are targeting block 3,543,405 for NU7 mainnet activation around November.
- NU7 will reduce target block times from 75 to 25 seconds, remove 60% of transaction fees from circulation and disable legacy Sprout transactions.
The mainnet activation for Zcash’s NU7 upgrade is aiming for block 3,543,405—projected for approximately November 5—following the final adjustments to ZIP 259, as reported by the Zcash development group Zakura.
In an October 21 statement on X, Zakura noted that the activation height was established during final modifications to the deployment plan. The team also verified that its NU7 dashboard has been refreshed to showcase the scheduled activation target.
Several modifications will accompany the upgrade, such as accelerated block generation, alterations to transaction fees and the discontinuation of the network’s older Sprout transaction architecture.
Having successfully landed on the Zcash testnet on October 4, NU7 allows developers to test the updates prior to the mainnet deployment. Because activation relies on hitting the designated block height instead of a static clock time, the November 5 timeline is still an approximation.
NU7 to Cut Target Block Time to 25 Seconds
Among the core modifications is a decrease in Zcash’s target block interval from 75 seconds down to 25 seconds. This triples the frequency of block targets, which can help lower transaction confirmation delays. Because actual confirmation speeds rely on prevailing network conditions, this shift does not guarantee every transaction will settle in precisely 25 seconds.
Additionally, NU7 implements the Network Sustainability Mechanism, pulling 60% of transaction fees out of circulation. These fees will be held for future issuance per the planned rules, with the system crafted to protect the existing Zcash halving timetable. Funds are scheduled to begin re-entering circulation around February 2031.
Version 4 transactions, necessary for moving assets out of the legacy Sprout privacy pool, will also be turned off by the upgrade. Consequently, any assets left inside Sprout after activation will be impossible to spend under the fresh consensus guidelines. Anyone holding funds in that specific pool should inspect their wallets and transfer valid funds ahead of the upgrade.
While NU7 does not roll out a brand-new transaction format, block explorers, indexers and full-node operators will likely need compatible software to stay synchronized with the upgraded network.
This upcoming November target leaves infrastructure operators, wallet providers and exchanges with a tight timeframe to get ready for the consensus shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Zcash NU7 upgrade expected to activate?
The NU7 mainnet activation is targeted for block 3,543,405, which is anticipated to occur around November 5.
What are the main changes introduced in NU7?
Key updates include lowering target block times from 75 to 25 seconds, removing 60% of transaction fees from circulation via the Network Sustainability Mechanism, and disabling legacy Sprout transactions.
What happens to funds left in the legacy Sprout privacy pool?
Funds remaining in the Sprout pool after activation will become unspendable under the new consensus rules, meaning users must migrate eligible funds prior to the upgrade.
Is the November 5 activation date absolute?
No, November 5 remains an estimate because activation is triggered by reaching the specified block height rather than a fixed timestamp.
