July 16, 2024
FreeBSD users, prepare for a smoother, more predictable system management experience! We’re excited to announce changes to the FreeBSD release schedule and support periods. These updates will improve your overall experience, enhance system security, and streamline maintenance.
Key changes:
- Predictable and More Frequent Release Schedule: Expect a new minor release approximately every quarter. This means more frequent updates and a steady stream of improvements.
- Shorter Support Periods: Starting with FreeBSD 15.x, stable branches will now be supported for four years after the .0 release, reduced from the previous five-year period.
Why is the FreeBSD Project changing the release and support cycle?
These adjustments are based on a thorough review of our release processes. The goals were to increase efficiency, improve the user experience, and better align with the evolving needs of the FreeBSD community. Here’s how we plan to achieve this:
- Streamlined Releases: A more focused release process means quicker delivery of updates and bug fixes, allowing for faster issue resolution and a more stable system.
- Regular Updates: Frequent releases ensure you have access to the latest features, performance enhancements, and security patches.
- Improved Planning: A predictable release schedule helps you plan system upgrades and maintenance more effectively.
- Balanced Support: The shortened four-year support period provides a practical balance between maintaining stability and addressing emerging security threats.
New Release Schedule: To help you plan your system management, here’s a breakdown of the new release schedule:
- Quarterly Minor Releases: New minor releases will be available approximately every three months. (Note: While a minor release will happen every three months, any particular major version will only have a new minor release every six to nine months.)
- Biennial Major Releases: Major .0 releases will occur every two years, introducing significant updates and new features.
Examples:
- 2024:
- March: 13.3 (5-year support cycle for 13.x, ending with 13.5 in April of 2026)
- June: 14.1 (5-year support cycle for 14.x, ending with 14.6 in November 2028)
- September: 13.4
- December: 14.2
- 2025:
- March: 13.5
- June: 14.3
- December: 15.0 (4-year support cycle for 15.x, ending with 15.6 in December 2029)
- 2026:
- March: 14.4
- June: 15.1
- September: 14.5
- December: 15.2
The new FreeBSD release schedule and support periods mark a significant step forward in providing a more secure, stable, and manageable system. We’re committed to delivering the best possible FreeBSD experience, and these changes are a testament to that commitment.
For more details and to stay informed, visit the FreeBSD Project website or subscribe to the mailing lists.