The privacy-focused cryptocurrency project Zcash is preparing to activate the network update NU6.3, codenamed Ironwood, on July 28, 2026.
According to the Zebra 6.0.0 release notes, the update will be deployed on the mainnet at block height 3,428,143. This block height is expected to be reached around 16:00 Turkish time on July 28.
The Ironwood update will add a new shielded transaction pool and a v6 transaction format to the Zcash network. The new pool will use the Action structure from the Orchard system and the Proof-of-Work system from Halo2, while having its own note commitment tree, nullifier set, chain value pool, and transaction history metadata.
Among the most notable features of the update are privacy records designed for recovery in the event of future quantum computing risks, as well as a 'turnstile' mechanism aimed at strengthening the verification of the $ZEC supply.
This mechanism aims to strengthen control over the total supply due to concerns about a potential security vulnerability in the old Orchard pool, which could have led to the production of counterfeit $ZEC. With Ironwood, the goal is to more strictly control supply stability when transferring funds into the new pool. Previously, there was significant criticism regarding the possibility of token counterfeiting due to the inability to verify Zcash's supply volume.
Previously, the Ironwood network activation level in the testnet was set at block height 4,134,000.
*This is not investment advice.
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