Introducing MySQL Innovation and Long‑Term Support (LTS) Versions

Introduction

Oracle is launching a new MySQL version model that offers two distinct tracks: Innovation releases for rapid feature delivery and Long‑Term Support (LTS) releases for stable, production‑grade deployments with extended support.

New MySQL Version Model

Transition to Innovation and LTS

MySQL 8.1.0 will be the first Innovation release; 8.0.34+ will be a bug‑fix‑only line until the 8.0 lifecycle ends in April 2026. Approximately a year later, the next minor version will become LTS, giving users ample time to migrate.

During the transition, users who need the latest features, improvements, and all bug fixes should adopt Innovation releases (e.g., 8.1.x, 8.2.x, 8.3.x). Users who only require critical patches should stay on the 8.0.x line (e.g., 8.0.35, 8.0.36, 8.0.37). Quarterly Oracle Critical Patch Update (CPU) calendars are recommended for both tracks.

MySQL HeatWave Service

HeatWave is fully managed by the MySQL team and receives the latest improvements and security patches. Users can choose Innovation releases starting with 8.1.0 or bug‑fix releases starting with 8.0.34, allowing flexible version matching to application requirements.

Product Portfolio and Support Lifecycle

LTS versions follow Oracle’s Lifetime Support policy (5 years of premier support plus 3 years of extended support). Innovation releases are supported until the next major/minor version.

MySQL Server, Shell, Router, NDB Cluster

MySQL Operator for Kubernetes (InnoDB ReplicaSet, Cluster, ClusterSet)

MySQL Connectors (general availability, compatible with all supported server versions)

MySQL Workbench (remains on 8.0.x and compatible with all supported servers)

Version Release Cadence

8.0.34+ – bug‑fix only (red)

Innovation releases (gray) – potentially quarterly

New LTS releases (blue) – roughly every two years

Future releases will follow the illustrated roadmap, though exact version numbers are not guaranteed.

Innovation Releases

Innovation releases continue the MySQL 8.0 continuous delivery model (< 8.0.34) and include bug fixes, security patches, and new features. They are supported until the next minor version (Innovation or LTS) and are intended for production use.

Deprecation and Removal

Features deprecated in a given version will not be removed for at least one year, giving users time to adapt. LTS versions will not remove features except in the first LTS release.

Behavior Changes

Code refactoring or SQL‑standard alignment may introduce behavior changes in Innovation releases, which can affect syntax, reserved words, execution plans, or performance, potentially requiring application adjustments.

Long‑Term Support (LTS) Versions

Every ~2 years a minor version becomes LTS, receiving 5 years of premier support and 3 years of extended support, with no functional changes beyond critical fixes.

Upgrade and Downgrade Strategies

Both Innovation and LTS tracks provide multiple upgrade/downgrade paths, including in‑place upgrades, InnoDB CLONE, asynchronous replication, and export/import. LTS versions allow in‑place upgrades/downgrades without schema changes, while Innovation versions may require logical export/import for downgrades.

Supported Methods

In‑place upgrade/downgrade (LTS only)

InnoDB CLONE (LTS only)

Asynchronous replication for near‑zero‑downtime upgrades

Export/Import for both tracks

Rollback scenarios are supported via asynchronous replication and export/import, but only for reverting to the previous version.

Conclusion

Oracle invites feedback through community channels and support teams, and provides download links for the latest MySQL releases. Detailed release notes contain feature lists, improvements, bug fixes, and potential breaking changes.