Zcash developers selected block 3,543,405 for the NU7 mainnet upgrade, targeting activation around November 5. The decision would cut target block spacing to 25 seconds from 75 seconds, but the deployment specification still listed the mainnet height as pending when checked October 21.

Zcash NU7 Targets Faster Confirmations

The official NU7 timeline lists November 5 for mainnet activation after an October 6 testnet rollout. ZIP 218 defines the new 25-second target, one-third of the current interval.

Faster blocks could reduce the target wait for three confirmations from 225 seconds to 75 seconds if exchanges keep the same confirmation count. Actual block production varies, and infrastructure operators may revise their confirmation policies.

Deployment Document Still Shows a Pending Height

The latest ZIP 259 deployment page still displayed the mainnet activation height as “TBD” and said it was to be set October 20. That mismatch means operators should wait for the value to appear in the formal specification and supported node releases before treating activation as final.

The cautious approach mirrors the deadline risks surrounding the Ethereum Glamsterdam test deployment. Network dates depend on software readiness, consensus rules and operator adoption rather than calendar targets alone.

Sprout Funds and Fees Face Major Changes

NU7 invalidates version 4 transactions. Because Sprout transfers require that format, funds remaining in the original shielded pool become unspendable after activation. Holders should verify migration instructions through supported Zcash software before the upgrade.

The upgrade also removes 60% of transaction fees from circulation and records them through the Network Sustainability Mechanism for later issuance. The design preserves the supply cap and existing halving schedule, separating it from monetary-policy debates around stablecoin growth and the regulatory deadlines covered in the SEC’s crypto rule agenda.

Sharron Kendi is a seasoned crypto market analyst and writer with over three years of experience decoding blockchain trends, price movements, and market dynamics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University, blending a solid academic foundation with a sharp eye for technical analysis and a deep understanding of on-chain data. Her work delivers clear, data-driven insights that empower investors to navigate the fast-evolving digital asset space with confidence.