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Zcash Foundation has announced the release of Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, the first release candidate for NU7, the next Zcash network upgrade.
NU7 is now code-complete in Zebra, with the testnet activation set at block 4,465,026, expected around October 6, 2026. Node operators are urged to upgrade before this date.
The NU7 upgrade will cut ZEC block times from 75 seconds to 25 and add new limits on shielded transactions to protect wallets from spam.
NU7 is expected to bring blocks every 25 seconds instead of every 75, a new network sustainability mechanism that recycles part of every transaction fee into future block rewards, and new shielded limits that protect wallets from spam.
Currently, a Zcash user waits 75 seconds on average for a first confirmation, which is seen as a real obstacle at points of sale, for exchange deposits, and for cross-chain bridges. Under ZIP 218, NU7 cuts the target block spacing to 25 seconds, so the average wait for a first confirmation drops to 25 seconds. However, the amount of ZEC issued per day stays the same.
October dates to watch for NU7
Block rewards drop with each halving, and the network will eventually rely on fees to fund its security. NU7 prepares Zcash for this. Under ZIP 235, 60% of each block's transaction fees are withdrawn from circulation and deposited in a reserve, while miners keep the remaining 40%, giving them ample reason to include transactions. Under ZIP 237, each block then reissues a small, predictable portion of that reserve on top of its normal reward. The usual four-year halving schedule and the 21 million ZEC supply cap remain unaltered.
NU7 introduces per-block limits: 330 Orchard or Ironwood operations, 300 Sapling inputs and outputs, a shared budget of 330 across pools, and no new Sprout JoinSplits.
As stated earlier, NU7 activates on the public Testnet at height 4,465,026, expected around October 6, while the mainnet activation height will be set on October 20, 2026.