The Zcash Foundation provided a detailed engineering update, covering developments to the Zcash network between September 21 and October 5. During this period, the organization released four new versions of its Zebra full node client, including the first release candidate for version 7.0.0.
Zebra Releases and Technical Upgrades
Zebra serves as the official and independent full node implementation for the Zcash network. Built entirely from scratch in the Rust programming language, Zebra is a key project maintained by the Zcash Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting privacy-focused advancements and decentralized infrastructure for the Zcash ecosystem.
Three minor releases—Zebra 6.4.0, 6.4.1, and 6.4.2—were published in quick succession. Zebra 6.4.0 introduced several improvements, including an experimental gRPC server compatible with lightwalletd, reduced conventional transaction fees in line with ZIP 317, accelerated block template delivery for miners, and adjustments preparing the network for the upcoming network upgrade, NU7. The same day, Zebra 6.4.1 addressed a potential synchronization stall that could occur near the blockchain tip.
Shortly after, the team deployed Zebra 6.4.2 in response to a critical vulnerability. This version delivered an emergency fix for a crash caused by malformed transactions from any peer. The flaw was uncovered by OSS-Fuzz, a continuous fuzzing service provided by Google to help identify security issues in open-source projects.
Mini dictionary: OSS-Fuzz, a service by Google, helps developers discover bugs and vulnerabilities by automatically testing open-source software with unexpected or random inputs.
NU7 Testnet Activation and Mainnet Preparations
The highlight of the engineering period was the release of Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, the initial release candidate for the forthcoming Network Upgrade 7 (NU7). This version went live on the Zcash Testnet at block 4,465,026 on October 4, giving developers and the community the opportunity to test features ahead of the mainnet launch.
Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 enables NU7 on the public Testnet, offering a preview of coming changes and providing critical preparation time before mainnet rollout.
Another software update supporting NU7 is planned before November 2, prior to the planned deactivation (halt) of the older 6.4.x series. Mainnet operators are being advised to upgrade to the upcoming version to ensure smooth transition and ongoing compatibility. NU7’s mainnet activation is tentatively scheduled for November 5, 2026.
| Zebra Version | Key Features / Fixes | Release Type |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4.0 | Security improvements, lower fees, light wallet support | Minor |
| 6.4.1 | Fix for potential sync stall | Minor |
| 6.4.2 | Emergency crash fix (from OSS-Fuzz discovery) | Minor |
| 7.0.0-rc.0 | NU7 Testnet activation | Release Candidate |
Market Update and Whale Activity
In market action, Zcash traded 2.93% higher over the past 24 hours, reaching $1,376. However, the price remained below its peak of $1,696 from September 26. Despite the retracement, large investors continued accumulating the asset.
According to data collated by analytics platform Lookonchain, a newly created wallet recently withdrew 7,166 ZEC from Coinbase, signaling active engagement from so-called whales during this period of price volatility.
Despite recent price declines from late September highs, accumulation by large holders of $ZEC remains strong as shown by recent large withdrawals from exchanges.
