Zcash's Ironwood hard fork is approaching, and Keystone doesn't want to miss the start. The hardware wallet maker announces compatible firmware on day one of network cutover, after recently fixing a flaw in the Orchard pool. Self-custody ZEC holders now have a clear roadmap.

In brief
- Keystone announces support from the launch of Ironwood thanks to a dedicated firmware update.
- The Nexus app integrates network compatibility and TEX and T3 addresses for Zcash.
- The Ironwood hard fork permanently seals the Orchard pool after the emergency security patch deployed.
Why Ironwood comes after the Orchard patch
The Orchard pool, which ensures the confidentiality of transactions on the Zcash network, presented a vulnerability theoretically allowing the creation of counterfeit ZECs without immediate detection. The development team deployed an emergency patch to isolate the threat before it was exploited, according to information released by Shielded Labs.
Ironwood permanently seals this pool. The upgrade also restores the ability of users to independently verify the protocol's emission limits, a fundamental point for any privacy-focused crypto. This security patch also caused a spectacular rebound in ZEC of 17% in ten hours, with more than $13 million in short positions liquidated.
Wallet and application providers should update their software before the network change to avoid any service interruption.
What Keystone is actually preparing for ZEC users
Keystone confirmed that its next firmware update will be compatible with Ironwood upon its release. Self-custody ZEC holders will then be able to migrate their protected funds from Orchard to Ironwood via the zodl application, once it is updated. The final schedule, however, depends on the availability of this application.
At the same time, Keystone's Nexus application will receive several improvements: an updated consensus branch identifier, expanded support for TEX addresses, used during transfers to exchange platforms, and the addition of T3 addresses, dedicated to multi-signature wallets.
These additions prepare for smoother use of Zcash after Ironwood, particularly for users who interact with exchanges requiring transparent transfers.
In short, Keystone offers ZEC holders structured preparation for a complex network upgrade. Firmware compatible from day one, new address options in Nexus, secure migration via zodl: the three levers are identified. It remains to monitor the calendar of the zodl application and the exact date of the Ironwood hard fork to adjust the conservation strategy. For privacy-focused crypto, this type of transition is rarely trivial.
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