|
1 | | -# End of Life Dates |
| 1 | +# EMQX Version Lifecycle and End-of-Life (EOL) Dates |
2 | 2 |
|
3 | | -## Summary |
| 3 | +EMQX serves a wide range of users, from fast-moving SaaS platforms to large enterprise deployments. To meet these diverse needs, EMQX has adopted a multi-tiered release and support policy that balances innovation, stability, and long-term maintenance. |
4 | 4 |
|
5 | | -EMQX Enterprise Edition follows an 18-month maintenance cycle for each major release, starting from its release date. We also maintain the latest minor release of the last two major release branches. |
| 5 | +This lifecycle policy is designed to: |
6 | 6 |
|
7 | | -## Versions |
| 7 | +- **Support rapid innovation** in [EMQX Cloud](../faq/concept.md#which-products-do-we-offer) through frequent internal updates. |
| 8 | +- **Deliver new features** to on-premise users on a predictable, quarterly schedule. |
| 9 | +- **Provide long-term stability** to enterprise customers through designated **Long-Term Support (LTS)** versions. |
| 10 | +- **Ensure clear and predictable timelines** for version support and **End-of-Life (EOL)**. |
8 | 11 |
|
9 | | -- Major releases, such as 3.0.0, 4.0.0, 5.0.0, and 6.0.0, introduce new features that may not be backward compatible. |
10 | | -- Minor releases, such as 5.1.0 and 5.2.0, add new features while maintaining backward compatibility. |
11 | | -- Maintenance versions, such as 5.7.1 and 5.7.2, focus on fixing issues. Maintenance activities occur on all releases but are primarily used to determine how long maintenance is provided for a particular branch of code through a tributary release of a minor release (for example, 5.7.x). Active maintenance on minor releases means that we fix some bugs and migrate some fixes back to the code branch. |
| 12 | +By offering three distinct release tiers (Internal, Feature, and LTS), EMQX empowers users to choose the version cadence that best fits their operational needs, whether they value rapid access to the latest capabilities or require long-term platform stability. |
| 13 | + |
| 14 | +## Release Tiers and Cadence |
| 15 | + |
| 16 | +To balance rapid innovation with enterprise-grade stability, EMQX follows a three-tier release model: |
| 17 | + |
| 18 | +### Internal Releases |
| 19 | + |
| 20 | +* **Frequency:** Monthly. |
| 21 | +* **Audience:** Internal EMQX teams, EMQX Cloud, and prospects. |
| 22 | +* **Purpose:** Quickly deliver and validate new features in EMQX-controlled environments (e.g., EMQX Cloud, internal testing, and limited public staging). Internal Releases also provide early access to selected customers and serve as a foundation for future public Feature Releases. |
| 23 | +* **Quality Assurance:** Although not publicly downloadable, Internal Releases power EMQX Cloud and undergo full QA to ensure they are production-ready. They are **not** experimental or unstable. |
| 24 | +* **Support:** Maintained directly by the EMQX team for the Cloud environment. Not for direct on-premise customer consumption. |
| 25 | + |
| 26 | +### Feature Releases (Public) |
| 27 | + |
| 28 | +* **Frequency:** Quarterly (typically in March, June, September, December). |
| 29 | +* **Audience:** On-premise users seeking timely access to the latest stable features. |
| 30 | +* **Purpose:** Package and deliver validated features from recent Internal Releases for general on-premise use. |
| 31 | +* **Support Duration:** 18 months from the initial release date. |
| 32 | + |
| 33 | +### Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases (Public) |
| 34 | + |
| 35 | +* **Frequency:** Annually (typically the June Feature Release is designated as LTS). |
| 36 | +* **Audience:** Enterprise users with mission-critical deployments requiring maximum stability and long-term planning. |
| 37 | +* **Purpose:** Provide a highly stable, extensively validated version with an extended support lifecycle. |
| 38 | +* **Support Duration:** 3 years from the initial release (with 4.4.x as a special case supported for 5 years). |
| 39 | + |
| 40 | +This tiered release model allows features to mature through internal validation before public release, ensuring greater stability and quality for on-premise deployments. |
| 41 | + |
| 42 | +## Current LTS Versions |
| 43 | + |
| 44 | +* **4.4.x** (Initial release date: Dec 21, 2021, EOL date: Dec 20, 2026) |
| 45 | +* **5.8.x** (Initial release date: Aug 28, 2024, EOL Date: Aug 27, 2027) |
| 46 | + |
| 47 | +## Version Numbering and Naming Conventions |
| 48 | + |
| 49 | +EMQX uses Semantic Versioning (`MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH`, e.g., `5.8.1`) as the foundation, with specific conventions for different release tiers. |
| 50 | + |
| 51 | +### Major Releases (e.g., `4.0.0`, `5.0.0`, `6.0.0`) |
| 52 | + |
| 53 | +* Introduce significant updates, potentially including non-backward-compatible changes. |
| 54 | +* Direct in-place upgrades between major versions are generally not supported. Migration typically involves setting up a new deployment and manually replicating configurations/data. Refer to specific major version migration guides. |
| 55 | + |
| 56 | +### Internal Releases (e.g., `5.9.0-M3.202506`) |
| 57 | + |
| 58 | +* **Format:** `X.Y.Z-M[1-3].YYYYMM` (e.g., `5.9.0-M2.202505`, `5.9.1-M3.202506`). |
| 59 | +* `X.Y` often aligns with the upcoming or current public Feature Release minor version being developed. |
| 60 | +* `Z` can increment with internal iterations. Ad-hoc fixes may apply. |
| 61 | + |
| 62 | +### Feature Releases (e.g., `5.7.0`, `5.9.0`, `5.10.0`) |
| 63 | + |
| 64 | +* Public minor releases that deliver new features, improvements, and bug fixes quarterly. |
| 65 | +* Backward-compatible (API and functionality) with previous minor releases within the same major version (e.g., `5.x`) and support rolling cluster upgrades. |
| 66 | +* **Format:** `X.Y.0`. |
| 67 | +* `Y` (minor version) increments with each quarterly release. |
| 68 | +* **Naming:** EMQX Enterprise X.Y.0. |
| 69 | + |
| 70 | +### LTS Releases (e.g., `5.8.0`) |
| 71 | + |
| 72 | +* A designated annual Feature Release promoted to Long-Term-Support status. The initial LTS release (`X.Y.0`) includes the latest stable and fully validated feature set available at the time of its release. |
| 73 | +* **Format:** `X.Y.0`. |
| 74 | +* **Naming:** `EMQX Enterprise X.Y.0`. |
| 75 | +* LTS status is clearly indicated in documentation and on the official download page. |
| 76 | + |
| 77 | +### Patch Releases (e.g., `5.8.1`, `5.9.2`) |
| 78 | + |
| 79 | +* Contains only critical bug fixes and security patches. |
| 80 | +* No new features or breaking changes are introduced. |
| 81 | +* Issued for: |
| 82 | + * **Feature Releases:** Each Feature Minor Release line that is within its 18-month support lifecycle (starting from the initial release of the corresponding minor version, i.e., X.Y.0) will receive patches for critical bug fixes and security vulnerabilities **that are applicable to (i.e., affect) that specific release line.** |
| 83 | + * **LTS Releases:** Each active LTS Release line will receive patches for critical bug fixes and security vulnerabilities **that are applicable to (i.e., affect) that specific release line** throughout its 3-year support period. |
12 | 84 |
|
13 | 85 | ## Maintenance Policies |
14 | 86 |
|
15 | | -Our goal is to maintain the latest minor version of the current major release, as well as the latest minor version of the previous major release. We have observed that some users frequently upgrade to keep up with our version tributaries. These users can always use the latest minor tributary release and get fixes through the maintenance release they choose to deploy. For example, these users can keep up with our EMQX releases: 5.7.0, 5.7.1, 5.7.2, etc. |
16 | | - |
17 | | -We understand that not all users will upgrade immediately after a release a new release. For the convenience of these users, we continue to maintain the latest minor release of the last major release. In the case of EMQX 4.x, we maintain the 4.x.x series, allowing users to make only a few minor changes to the software they are currently running to apply fixes. Our maintenance of the most recent minor release will continue until the next major release. For example, our maintenance of EMQX 4.x.x will continue until the official release of EMQ X 6.0.0. After the release of EMQX 6.0.0, we will maintain the recently released 5.x series and begin to maintain the 6.0. X minor series, followed by the 6.1.x minor series, and the 6.2.x minor series. |
18 | | - |
19 | | -Occasionally, we may backport fixes to other tributary versions of minor releases. For example, if multiple branches are susceptible to a severe security vulnerability, we make a prudent decision to move backward, although we aim to minimize such occurrences.. |
20 | | - |
21 | | -## Maintenance Table |
22 | | - |
23 | | -The following table reflects our maintenance policy. Occasionally, if we release a new minor release after a new major release, we will update the table below accordingly. |
24 | | - |
25 | | -| **Version** | **Release Date** | **EOL Date** | **Maintenance Ends with** | |
26 | | -| :---------- | :--------------- | :----------- | :------------------------ | |
27 | | -| 3.4.x | 2019-12-02 | 2021-06-30 | 5.0.0 | |
28 | | -| 4.0.x | 2020-01-18 | 2021-07-17 | 4.1.0 | |
29 | | -| 4.1.x | 2020-07-18 | 2022-01-17 | 4.2.0 | |
30 | | -| 4.2.x | 2020-10-13 | 2022-04-12 | 4.3.0 | |
31 | | -| 4.3.x | 2021-05-19 | 2022-11-18 | 4.4.0 | |
32 | | -| 4.4.x | 2021-12-21 | 2023-06-20 | 6.0.0 | |
33 | | -| 5.0.x | 2023-02-03 | 2024-08-02 | 5.1.0 | |
34 | | -| 5.1.x | 2023-06-21 | 2024-12-20 | 5.2.0 | |
35 | | -| 5.2.x | 2023-09-07 | 2025-03-06 | 5.3.0 | |
36 | | -| 5.3.x | 2023-09-29 | 2025-03-28 | 5.4.0 | |
37 | | -| 5.4.x | 2023-12-23 | 2025-06-22 | 5.5.0 | |
38 | | -| 5.5.x | 2024-02-01 | 2025-07-31 | 5.6.0 | |
39 | | -| 5.6.x | 2024-03-28 | 2025-09-27 | 5.7.0 | |
40 | | -| 5.7.x | 2024-05-27 | 2025-11-26 | 5.8.0 | |
41 | | -| 5.8.x | 2024-08-28 | 2026-02-27 | 5.9.0 | |
| 87 | +EMQX releases receive different maintenance based on their type and lifecycle stage: |
| 88 | + |
| 89 | +* **Internal Release:** |
| 90 | + * **Maintenance:** Handled by the EMQX team. Bugs found are typically addressed in subsequent internal iterations or via hotfixes within the Cloud environment. These fixes are merged into the dev branch for inclusion in future public releases. |
| 91 | +* **Feature Releases (Public):** |
| 92 | + * **Support Scope:** New features and improvements are introduced with each new quarterly Feature Minor Release (e.g., 5.9.0, then 5.10.0). During their 18-month lifecycle, each Feature Release line (e.g., all 5.9.x versions) will receive **critical bug fixes and security patches** via its own patch releases (e.g., 5.9.1, 5.9.2) for issues applicable to that line. |
| 93 | + * **Target Users:** Users and customers who want rapid access to new features and are comfortable with a shorter support cycle. |
| 94 | +* **Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases (Public):** |
| 95 | + * **Initial LTS Release (e.g., 5.8.0):** Released with the latest stable feature set. |
| 96 | + * **Subsequent LTS Patch Releases (e.g., 5.8.1, 5.8.2):** Throughout their 3-year lifecycle, LTS versions will receive the following updates via Patch releases: |
| 97 | + * **Critical Bug Fixes** |
| 98 | + * **Security Vulnerability Patches** |
| 99 | + * **Important Note:** To ensure maximum stability, patch releases (X.Y.Z) for an LTS version will **not introduce any new features.** |
| 100 | + * **Target Users:** Enterprise customers with stringent requirements for system stability, predictability, and long-term support, as well as scenarios where minimizing changes post-deployment is critical. |
| 101 | +* **Patch Release:** |
| 102 | + * Such as 5.10.1, 5.10.2, contain only bug fixes and security patches. No new features are introduced. |
| 103 | + * In rare cases, to support migration to newer versions, the maintenance team may, at its discretion, consider adding minimal, essential non-disruptive changes to versions in maintenance mode. |
| 104 | + |
| 105 | +## Maintenance Schedule for Public Releases |
| 106 | + |
| 107 | +This section provides the maintenance and End-of-Life (EOL) timelines for public Feature and LTS releases. Internal releases are maintained separately and are not listed here. |
| 108 | + |
| 109 | +The following table outlines release dates, support types, lifecycles, and estimated EOL dates for major EMQX versions. It is updated periodically to reflect the latest status. |
| 110 | + |
| 111 | +| Version | Release Date | Support Type | Support Duration | EOL Date | Notes | |
| 112 | +| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | |
| 113 | +| **3.4.x** | 2019-12-02 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2021-06-30 | EOLed | |
| 114 | +| **4.0.x** | 2020-01-18 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2021-07-17 | EOLed | |
| 115 | +| **4.1.x** | 2020-07-18 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2022-01-17 | EOLed | |
| 116 | +| **4.2.x** | 2020-10-13 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2022-04-12 | EOLed | |
| 117 | +| **4.3.x** | 2021-05-19 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2022-11-18 | EOLed | |
| 118 | +| **4.4.x LTS** | **2021-12-21** | **LTS** | **3 years** For 4.4.x LTS, as a special case during the transition period, the EOL Date is set to five years after the release date. | **2026-12-21** | **Current Active LTS Version** | |
| 119 | +| **5.0.x** | 2023-02-03 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2024-08-02 | | |
| 120 | +| **5.1.x** | 2023-06-21 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2024-12-20 | | |
| 121 | +| **5.2.x** | 2023-09-07 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2025-03-06 | | |
| 122 | +| **5.3.x** | 2023-09-29 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2025-03-28 | | |
| 123 | +| **5.4.x** | 2023-12-23 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2025-06-22 | | |
| 124 | +| **5.5.x** | 2024-02-01 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2025-07-31 | | |
| 125 | +| **5.6.x** | 2024-03-28 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2025-09-27 | | |
| 126 | +| **5.7.x** | 2024-05-27 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2025-11-26 | | |
| 127 | +| **5.8.x LTS** | **2024-08-28** | **LTS** | **3 years** | **2027-08-27** | **Latest Active LTS Version** | |
| 128 | +| **5.9.x** | 2025-05-02 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2026-11-01 | Latest Feature Release | |
| 129 | +| **5.10.x** | 2025-06-09 | Feature Release | 18 months | 2026-12-08 | Next Feature Release | |
| 130 | +| **6.0.0** | 2025-TBD | Major Release | 18 months | TBD | Next Major Release | |
| 131 | + |
| 132 | +## Upgrade Path Recommendations |
| 133 | + |
| 134 | +To ensure access to the latest features, performance improvements, and security updates, we recommend users follow a regular upgrade strategy based on their deployment type: |
| 135 | + |
| 136 | +* **EMQX Cloud:** Fully managed by the EMQX team; users benefit from monthly updates seamlessly. |
| 137 | +* **On-Premise Feature Releases:** Users can upgrade from one quarterly Feature Release to the next to access new features. It is recommended to stay on a Feature Release that is actively supported (within its 18-month lifecycle). |
| 138 | +* **On-Premise LTS Releases:** Enterprise users can plan migrations from their current LTS version to the next, with sufficient overlap to ensure uninterrupted long-term support. Upgrades from a Feature Release to an LTS Release are also supported. |
| 139 | + |
| 140 | +Each release includes detailed upgrade guides and compatibility notes to assist with planning and execution. |
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