The @ZcashFoundation has released Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, the first release candidate of its node software built to support the upcoming NU7 network upgrade for @Zcash. The release supports the NU7
The @ZcashFoundation has released Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, the first release candidate of its node software built to support the upcoming NU7 network upgrade for @Zcash. The release supports the NU7 network upgrade on testnet, which activates at height 4,465,026, expected around October 6. Testnet node operators are encouraged to upgrade before that date.
The headline change under NU7 is a sharp reduction in $ZEC block times. The key change will reduce block time from 75 to 25 seconds, increasing transaction speed. That means confirmation times will be roughly three times faster than they are today, a meaningful improvement for a privacy-focused network that competes on usability.
The upgrade also introduces new limits on shielded transactions to protect wallets from spam. Alongside the block-time cut, NU7 will deprecate Version 4 transactions and integrate a Network Sustainability Mechanism. The upgrade preserves Bitcoin-style halvings, with 98.9% of 2.4 million ZEC votes supporting the decision.
To keep issuance in check despite the faster block schedule, developers are splitting the per-block reward by three and stretching the halving interval from 1.68 million blocks to 5.04 million blocks. The overall rate of new ZEC entering circulation stays effectively unchanged.
After discussions among the Zcash Foundation, Project Tachyon, Valar, ZODL, and Shielded Labs, unanimous agreement was reached across orgs and engineering teams, with testnet activation set for October 6, 2026 and mainnet activation targeted for November 5, 2026.
Developer Sean Bowe said the team will set the final mainnet activation height on October 20 after observing the network under the new rules. The November 5 date remains a target rather than a firm commitment.
NU7 will not be supported by zcashd, so node operators will need to upgrade to the Zebra consensus node developed by the Zcash Foundation. Regular wallet users and ZEC holders are not expected to need to take any action.
Sources:Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 Release Notes, Zcash Foundation GitHubZcash Targets November Upgrade to Make Private Payments Up to Three Times Faster, CoinDeskNU7 Timeline, Zcash Community Forum
