Zcash has activated the NU7 network upgrade on its public testnet at block height 4,465,026. The update is delivered via the Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 node software, which was released on October 2, 2026.
The upgrade introduces three primary changes: reducing block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, implementing a fee-recycling system, and retiring the Sprout shielded pool, which disables v4 transactions.
The Network Sustainability Mechanism will allocate 60% of transaction fees to support network longevity, as outlined in proposals ZIP 235 and ZIP 237. The testnet also includes an adjusted halving at block height 4,497,948.
The Zcash Foundation, Project Tachyon, Valar Group, ZODL, and Shielded Labs collaborated on the upgrade. Infrastructure providers like QuickNode have begun updating their systems for the test phase.
A final decision regarding the mainnet deployment is scheduled for October 20, 2026, with a target activation date of November 5, 2026. No activation height for the mainnet has been set yet.
