Zcash developers are targeting Nov. 5 for the NU7 mainnet upgrade, which is expected to cut block times from 75 seconds to just 25 seconds.
The upgrade would also preserve Zcash’s existing halving schedule and introduce several network-level changes without significantly affecting most wallets.
Zcash NU7 Testnet Activation Set for October
Zcash developer Sean Bowe said the NU7 upgrade is scheduled to activate on the testnet on Oct. 6.
Developers will then monitor the network’s performance before making a final decision on the mainnet launch.
A final review is expected on Oct. 20, when developers will assess testnet results and determine the activation height for the mainnet upgrade.
If testing proceeds as planned, NU7 could go live on the Zcash mainnet on Nov. 5.
NU7 Will Cut Zcash Block Times to 25 Seconds
One of the biggest changes included in NU7 is a reduction in Zcash’s target block spacing.
The network currently targets a block every 75 seconds. After the upgrade, that interval would fall to 25 seconds.
Shorter block times could make transactions confirm more quickly and improve the overall responsiveness of the network.
The upgrade will also disable version 4 transactions and integrate the Network Sustainability Mechanism, or NSM.
Zcash Halving Schedule Will Remain Intact
The selected NSM configuration is designed to preserve Zcash’s existing halving schedule.
This was a key concern for the community because changes to the mechanism could have affected the cryptocurrency’s long-term issuance structure.
Under the current plan, previously removed supply would begin to be reintroduced in February 2031.
Developers have therefore aimed to introduce the sustainability mechanism without disrupting Zcash’s established halving cycle.
Wallets Expected to See Limited Impact
Bowe said NU7 will not introduce any new transaction formats.
As a result, the upgrade is not expected to create major changes for most Zcash wallets.
However, some infrastructure providers may need to make technical adjustments.
These could include full nodes, blockchain indexers and block explorers that must adapt to the faster block interval and other network changes.
ZEC Holders Strongly Support Faster Blocks
Zcash holders have shown overwhelming support for the proposed changes.
According to the latest vote, 98.9% supported preserving the halving schedule.
Meanwhile, 99.9% of the ZEC-weighted vote backed the proposal to reduce block times.
The results indicate broad community support for the NU7 upgrade and its main technical changes.
ZEC Price Jumps as Privacy Coins Rally
The upgrade timeline comes during a strong period for Zcash price performance.
ZEC gained around 20% over a 24-hour period on Thursday as privacy-focused cryptocurrencies significantly outperformed the broader crypto market.
Glassnode data showed that the privacy coin sector had risen sharply compared with its level at Bitcoin’s October 2025 peak.
The broader privacy sector was reportedly around 213% above that level, while a basket excluding ZEC had gained about 85% over the past year.
Zcash NU7 Upgrade Could Mark Major Network Improvement
If the rollout remains on schedule, NU7 could become one of the more important Zcash upgrades in recent years.
Faster block times may improve transaction speed, while preserving the halving schedule could help maintain confidence in the network’s long-term monetary structure.
Traders and developers will now be watching the Oct. 6 testnet launch and the Oct. 20 review for confirmation that the Zcash NU7 mainnet upgrade remains on track for November.
