Zcash activates NU7 network upgrade, cutting block time and freezing legacy Sprout funds
+1 new source since this summary was written
On 6 Nov 2026 the Zcash protocol upgraded to NU7 at block 3,543,405 (02:34 UTC). The change reduced the target block interval from 75 seconds to 25 seconds and introduced a Network Sustainability Mechanism that redirects 60 % of transaction fees to a reserve for future miner rewards. The upgrade also disabled version‑4 transactions, rendering the remaining Sprout privacy‑pool balance unspendable.
Why it matters
The fee‑reserve aims to sustain miner incentives as block subsidies fall, a point the project cites as essential for long‑term security. Frozen Sprout funds, worth roughly $15‑$16 million, affect holders of legacy ZEC and may influence confidence in the network.
Key facts
- 1NU7 activation occurred at block 3,543,405 at 02:34 UTC on 6 Nov 2026. crypto.news
- 2The upgrade lowered the target block interval from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. crypto.news
- 3NU7 disables version‑4 transactions, making the Sprout pool unspendable. crypto.news
- 4Approximately 12,224 ZEC (about $15.3 million) remain frozen in Sprout. crypto.news
- 5The Network Sustainability Mechanism reserves 60 % of transaction fees for future mining rewards. crypto.news
- 6One report notes ZEC fell 5.17 % to $1,254.7 after the upgrade. theblock.co
Open questions
- The amount of frozen Sprout ZEC is reported as 12,224, 12,224.21, 12,226 and 12,227 in different sources.
- Post‑upgrade price movement is inconsistent: some sources report a decline to $1,254‑$1,255, others report a rise to $1,345‑$1,350.
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 13 of 13 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.