Zcash Network Nears NU7 Upgrade to Triple Transaction Speed
The Zcash network prepares for the NU7 software upgrade, targeting a threefold reduction in transaction confirmation times by shortening block intervals from 75 to 25 seconds.
The Zcash network is approaching a major software upgrade known as NU7, designed to slash transaction confirmation times by up to three times. According to blockchain trackers, the upgrade will be triggered automatically upon reaching block height 3,543,405, expected in the early hours of November 6.
Node operators across the network must update their software to maintain compatibility. The Zcash Foundation released the Zebra 7.0.0 software version in October to support the transition, warning that outdated nodes risk splitting off onto an incompatible legacy chain. The NU7 upgrade has already been successfully tested on the network testnet.
The core modification reduces the target block interval from 75 seconds down to 25 seconds. While this accelerates initial transaction processing and increases Orchard layer capacity from 2.9 to approximately 6.6 transactions per second, developers note that third-party services like exchanges will independently determine their own required confirmation counts.
Economics and Privacy Adjustments
Despite the acceleration, the total supply cap remains strictly fixed at 21 million ZEC, and issuance schedules are unaffected. Block rewards will be reduced to one-third of their previous value to balance the triple frequency of block generation. Additionally, 60 percent of transaction fees will be redirected to an on-chain reserve mechanism rather than remaining with miners.
The upgrade also deprecates older version 4 transactions, meaning balances remaining in the legacy Sprout privacy pool could become unspendable. Users holding ZEC on exchanges are advised to monitor platform announcements regarding temporary deposit and withdrawal suspensions during the network transition.
