Zcash has activated its NU7 upgrade on the public testnet at block 4,465,026, moving the network’s target block interval from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. With a three-confirmation policy, the theoretical confirmation window would fall to about 75 seconds from 225 seconds. The change is still being tested and has not yet been implemented on the mainnet.
The testnet uses coins without monetary value, allowing developers and infrastructure operators to test the new protocol rules without exposing real ZEC. NU7 also changes the distribution of transaction fees, sending 60% to a future-reward reserve, while reducing the block reward to one-third to maintain the network’s planned ZEC issuance. The upgrade additionally disables Sprout transactions.
ZEC/USD is currently down 2.5% over the past 24 hours, trading slightly above $1,300. The token has nevertheless gained more than 30% over the past 30 days, ranking among the stronger-performing crypto assets through September.
Zcash Tests Faster Block Production Ahead of NU7 Launch
The testnet activation comes before the planned November rollout of NU7. If implemented on mainnet, the upgrade would target a new 25-second block interval, allowing blocks to be generated three times as often as under the existing 75-second target.
At three confirmations, the shorter interval could reduce the theoretical waiting period from 225 seconds to approximately 75 seconds. That does not mean every transaction will receive credit within 75 seconds, since block production is not perfectly consistent and individual wallets, exchanges and payment providers can require different numbers of confirmations.
The faster block schedule is part of a wider set of protocol changes. Under NU7, miners are set to receive 40% of transaction fees, while the block reward will fall to one-third of its current level.
The upgrade will also end support for Sprout transactions, Zcash’s oldest privacy mechanism. Users whose funds depend on Sprout will need to transfer them before the mainnet activation if they want to maintain the ability to spend those holdings.
As a result, NU7 represents more than a simple effort to increase transaction speed. The changes introduce operational and compatibility considerations for users, exchanges, merchants and node operators.
More frequent block production could shorten the time required for merchants to wait before accepting Zcash payments and for exchanges to process deposits. However, three confirmations are only an example of a service policy and should not be treated as a universal standard or definitive measure of transaction finality.
The testnet provides a risk-free environment for this evaluation because its coins have no monetary value. Developers and infrastructure providers can therefore assess how the new rules affect their systems before real ZEC is involved.
Zakura published its implementation on October 1, while the Zcash Foundation released a test version of Zebra on October 2. Both major node implementations now support the NU7 trial, requiring operators to use compatible software to stay connected to the upgraded test network.
The testing phase is designed to evaluate both the protocol changes and the systems built around them. Operators can verify their software, infrastructure and confirmation assumptions before a potential mainnet deployment. The 25-second figure represents the protocol’s target interval, not a guaranteed deposit-processing time.
October 20 Review Sets Up November 5 Target
Developers are expected to assess the testnet results on October 20 before deciding whether to proceed with mainnet activation. November 5 remains the targeted launch date, although a specific activation block has not been announced.
The testnet activation does not guarantee that NU7 will reach the mainnet on November 5. Any real-world impact on Zcash payments and deposits will depend on network performance, the adoption of compatible software and the confirmation requirements chosen by individual service providers.
If providers retain a three-confirmation policy, the theoretical waiting period could fall to roughly 75 seconds. However, that remains a potential improvement under the existing policy rather than a guarantee that wallets, exchanges or merchants will process ZEC transactions within that timeframe.
