Zcash
Zcash has activated its NU7 upgrade on the public testnet, cutting the targeted block interval from 75 seconds to 25 seconds ahead of a planned November mainnet rollout.
The upgrade went live at block 4,465,026, giving developers and infrastructure operators a public environment to test the faster block schedule before it reaches the live network. The shorter interval could reduce confirmation wait times for merchants and exchanges, although actual block times will vary.
NU7 also changes Zcash’s fee distribution. Miners will receive 40% of transaction fees, while the remaining 60% will be removed from circulation and placed into a reserve intended to support future mining rewards.
The faster blocks will not increase ZEC issuance at the same rate. The scheduled reward per block will fall to one-third, preserving the network’s planned issuance schedule.
The upgrade also disables Sprout transactions, affecting Zcash’s oldest private-payment system. Users holding funds there will need to move them before the mainnet activation to retain access through the existing system.
Developers plan to review the public testnet results on Oct. 20 before deciding on mainnet activation. Nov. 5 remains the current target, although no activation block has been set.
