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

Oracle announces a new MySQL version model that separates releases into Innovation (feature‑rich) and Long‑Term Support (LTS) streams, giving customers the flexibility to choose between the latest capabilities and a stable, minimal‑change baseline.

1 Introduction

MySQL 5.7 and earlier focused on bug‑fix and security patches. Starting with MySQL 8.0, patch releases also contain new features, enabling more frequent delivery of improvements. To address differing customer needs, Oracle now offers Innovation and LTS editions.

2 The 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 pure bug‑fix line until the end of the 8.0 lifecycle (EOL April 2026). Approximately one year later, the current 8.x line will become an LTS version, giving users ample time to migrate.

During the transition, users who want the newest features and fixes should adopt Innovation (e.g., 8.1.x, 8.2.x). Users who only need critical fixes should stay on the 8.0.x series (e.g., 8.0.35). Both streams follow Oracle’s quarterly CPU patch calendar.

MySQL HeatWave Service

HeatWave is fully managed by the MySQL team and receives the latest features, OLTP, OLAP, machine‑learning, and Lakehouse capabilities from day one. Users can select Innovation (8.1+) or bug‑fix (8.0.x) versions for their HeatWave deployments.

Product Portfolio and Support Lifecycle

LTS versions follow Oracle’s lifetime‑support policy (5 years primary, 3 years extended). Innovation versions are supported until the next major/minor release. Most MySQL products—including Server, Shell, Router, NDB Cluster, the Kubernetes Operator, connectors, and Workbench—will have both Innovation and LTS editions.

Release Cadence

8.0.34+ – bug‑fix only (red)

Innovation releases – roughly quarterly (gray)

New LTS release – about every two years (blue)

Future releases will follow the illustrated roadmap (illustrative only).

3 Innovation Releases

Innovation releases continue the MySQL 8.0 continuous‑delivery model, delivering bug fixes, security patches, new features, deprecations, removals, and occasional behavior changes. Quarterly releases increment the minor version (e.g., 8.2, 8.3). Users are encouraged to upgrade regularly to stay current.

Deprecations and Removals

Features deprecated in one version will not be removed for at least one year, giving users time to adapt. LTS versions will not contain removals; only the first LTS release may add or delete features.

Behavior Changes

Beyond new features, MySQL may modify SQL‑standard compliance, reserved words, query execution, or performance characteristics. Such changes may require application adjustments, and tools will be provided to aid migration.

Long‑Term Support (LTS)

Every ~2 years a minor version becomes LTS, receiving five years of primary support and three years of extended support, similar to the 5.7 model. The next Innovation release will increment the major version (e.g., 8.4 LTS → 9.0 Innovation).

Upgrade and Downgrade Strategies

Within an LTS stream, functionality and data formats remain stable, allowing in‑place upgrades and downgrades. InnoDB CLONE supports both. Between LTS versions, migration can use in‑place upgrade, MySQL Shell export/import, or asynchronous replication. Downgrades require logical export/import.

Innovation‑to‑Innovation upgrades are supported in‑place, via cloning, async replication, or export/import. Downgrades from Innovation to an earlier version require logical export/import, similar to pre‑8.0.34 behavior.

Supported Upgrade Paths

In‑place

Clone

Async Replication

Export/Import

LTS 8.4 → LTS 9.7

✓

✗

✓

✓

LTS 8.4.11 → LTS 8.4.20

✓

✓

✓

✓

Innovation 8.1 → 8.2

✓

✗

✓

✓

Innovation 8.1 → 8.3

✓

✗

✓

✓

Innovation 9.1 → LTS 9.7

✓

✗

✓

✓

LTS 8.4 → LTS 10.7

✗

✗

✗

✗

Supported Downgrade Paths

In‑place

Clone

Async Replication

Export/Import

LTS 8.4.20 → 8.4.11

✓

✓

✓

✓

LTS 9.7 → LTS 8.4

✗

✗

✓✮

✓✮

LTS 9.7 → Innovation 9.6

✗

✗

✓✮

✓✮

LTS 9.7 → Innovation 9.5

✗

✗

✓✮

✓✮

(✮) indicates support limited to rollback scenarios.

4 Summary

The new model gives users the choice between rapid‑innovation releases and stable LTS releases, with clear upgrade paths, support timelines, and HeatWave integration. Community channels and Oracle support are available for assistance, and download links are provided.

For detailed release notes, see the MySQL Release Notes page.

5 Promotional Notice

The article also includes invitations to join a ChatGPT‑focused community, offering free accounts, training materials, and a paid “star‑planet” membership with tiered pricing. These sections are promotional and not part of the technical content.