Maven 4 (currently at 4.0.0‑rc‑5) introduces a Java 17 runtime requirement, separates Build POM from Consumer POM, adds a new POM 4.1.0 model that reduces repetitive configuration, and provides migration tools such as mvnup and mvnsh, while offering step‑by‑step guidance for upgrading from Maven 3.
IntelliJ IDEA 2026.1 EAP introduces Java 26 language‑level support, deep Spring Boot 4 integration, Gradle 9 and Maven 4 compatibility, numerous IDE enhancements, and over 600 bug fixes, offering developers early access to next‑generation Java features and performance improvements while recommending non‑production use.
The article examines Maven 4’s major upgrades—including a new 4.1.0 POM model, Build POM/Consumer POM separation, explicit artifact types, subproject renaming, tree‑based lifecycle, and richer configuration expressions—while also noting the tool’s migration assistance and its impact on modern Java development.
Maven 4, now in its fifth release candidate, modernizes the 15‑year‑old Java build ecosystem with a new POM model, native Build/Consumer POM separation, explicit artifact types, subproject renaming, tree‑based lifecycle for parallel builds, and richer configuration options, while providing an official upgrade assistant.
IntelliJ IDEA 2025.2 introduces major AI‑assisted coding upgrades, full Java 25 support, early Maven 4 compatibility, JSpecify nullability annotations, a Spring debugger, virtual‑thread debugging enhancements, and highlights a popular open‑source SpringBoot3 + Vue e‑commerce project for developers.
