Zcash cryptocurrency network has reduced estimated transaction confirmation time by factor of three
09.11.2026 18:15
On November 6, 2026, the Zcash cryptocurrency network activated the large-scale NU7 update, which reduces the target block time from 75 to 25 seconds. The changes are aimed at increasing transaction confirmation speeds and improving the cryptocurrency’s efficiency for payments.
This is stated in a CoinShares report published on November 6 and in the technical documentation from Zcash developers.
The update was activated on the mainnet at block No. 3,543,405 at 02:34 UTC.
The main change was a threefold reduction in the target interval between the creation of new blocks.
Prior to the update, the expected time to receive the first transaction confirmation was approximately 75 seconds. Once mining difficulty stabilizes, this figure is expected to drop to 25 seconds.
Consequently, for a cryptocurrency exchange that requires three confirmations before crediting funds, the estimated waiting time could be reduced from approximately 225 to 75 seconds.
According to CoinShares analysts, the update also increases the network’s estimated throughput for standard privacy-preserving transactions from 2.9 to 6.6 transactions per second.
Certain changes pertain to the processing of privacy-preserving transactions, which allow the sender’s, recipient’s, and transaction amount details to be concealed.
Specifically, the update limits the amount of data that lightweight cryptocurrency wallets must process.
CoinShares estimates that the maximum daily load on such wallets could decrease from 271 to 169 MB.
At the same time, the increase in block creation frequency places an additional load on the network infrastructure.
In the first two and a half hours after NU7 was activated, the average block time was about 39 seconds, as mining difficulty continued to adjust to the new parameters.
During technical testing, an increase in the proportion of blocks not included in the main chain was also recorded, rising from 1.57% to 3.43%.
Another significant change was the discontinuation of support for the original Sprout secure pool.
As a result, approximately 12,200 ZEC remaining in this pool became inaccessible for spending under the updated protocol. The possibility of restoring access to these funds in the future is under discussion, but no decision has been made yet.
The update also introduces a new fee distribution mechanism, under which 60% of fees are temporarily removed from circulation to subsequently fund network security.
At the same time, the maximum supply of Zcash, set at 21 million coins, remains unchanged. Analysts at CoinShares note that the technical update could make Zcash more convenient for payments; however, its impact on the actual use of the cryptocurrency will depend on user activity and support from infrastructure services.
Zcash (ZEC) is a cryptocurrency designed to ensure transaction privacy using cryptographic technologies.
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