Zcash activates NU7 upgrade on testnet ahead of November mainnet launch
Zcash has activated its NU7 network upgrade on the testnet, initiating live testing about a month before the planned mainnet launch in November. NU7 includes changes such as reduced block spacing, implementation of a sustainability mechanism for fees, and disabling of version 4 transactions, which affects funds stored in legacy pools.
NU7 Testnet Activation and Key Changes
On October 4, 2023, block 4,465,026 on the Zcash testnet reached the scheduled activation height for NU7, which was confirmed by Zcash’s official X account. The NU7 upgrade reduces the network's target block time from 75 to 25 seconds, disables version 4 transactions, and introduces a Network Sustainability Mechanism that reallocates a portion of transaction fees to future block rewards.
Impact on Users and Mainnet Deployment Plans
Disabling version 4 transactions will render ZEC held in Zcash's legacy Sprout shielded pool unspendable unless users migrate their funds before NU7 fully activates. The Zcash Foundation has urged testnet operators to utilize the release candidate to test NU7 under real-world conditions. Developers are set to make a final decision regarding mainnet activation on October 20, with the mainnet rollout targeted for November 5.
Why it matters
This news is significant because the NU7 upgrade substantially alters the Zcash network's operation by reducing block confirmation times and introducing a revised economic model with fee redistribution. The warning regarding the inability to spend funds from legacy pools underscores the need for users to prepare in advance to avoid losing access to their holdings. The testnet testing phase and upcoming final activation decision demonstrate the team's commitment to a stable and secure deployment of major network changes.
Prepared from the source material with AI-assisted editing and checked against the supplied facts.
Open original source ↗