From 548adafb6e895a24e6357a507f8ade2c603986b8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ulises Gascon Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:14:33 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 1/6] feat(blog): create post evolving the Node.js Release Schedule --- .../evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md | 83 +++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 83 insertions(+) create mode 100644 apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md diff --git a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000..36e0146a55e42 --- /dev/null +++ b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md @@ -0,0 +1,83 @@ +--- +date: '2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z' +category: announcements +title: Evolving the Node.js Release Schedule +layout: blog-post +author: The Node.js Release Team +--- +Starting with `v27`, Node.js will move from two major releases per year to one. This post explains what's changing, why, and what it means for users. + +## Why This Change + +The current release schedule is 10 years old. It was created during the io.js merger to balance the needs of a growing ecosystem. As one contributor put it at the time, it was "a guess of what enterprises would need." + +We now have a decade of data showing how people actually use Node.js: + +- Odd-numbered releases see minimal adoption. Users wait for LTS. +- The odd/even distinction confuses newcomers. +- Many organizations skip odd releases entirely, upgrading only between LTS versions. + +### Volunteer Sustainability + +Node.js is maintained primarily by volunteers. While some contributors receive sponsorship, most of the work (reviewing PRs, handling security issues, cutting releases, backporting fixes) is done by people in their spare time. + +Managing security releases across four or five active release lines has become difficult to sustain. Each additional line increases backporting complexity. By reducing concurrent release lines, we can focus on better supporting the releases people actually use. + +## What's Changing + +Starting with `v27` in 2027: + +- **One major release per year** (April), with LTS promotion in October +- **Every release becomes LTS**. No more odd/even distinction. +- **Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases** for early testing +- **Version numbers align with years**: `v27` in 2027, `v28` in 2028 +- **Maximum 3 active release lines** (down from 5) + +### New Schedule + +| Phase | Duration | Description | +|-------|----------|-------------| +| Alpha | 5 months | Oct to Mar. Early testing, semver-major allowed | +| Current | 6 months | Apr to Oct. Stabilization | +| Active LTS | 12 months | Regular updates and fixes | +| Maintenance | 17 months | Security and critical fixes only | + +Total support: 35 months from release to End of Life. + +## What's NOT Changing + +- **LTS support duration** remains similar (29 months: 12 Active + 17 Maintenance) +- **Migration windows preserved**. Overlap between LTS versions remains. +- **Quality standards unchanged**. Same testing, same CITGM, same security process. +- **Predictable schedule**. April releases, October LTS promotion. + +## Timeline + +### `v26` (Current Schedule) + +| Milestone | Date | +|-----------|------| +| Release | April 2026 | +| Enters LTS | October 2026 | +| Maintenance | October 2027 | +| End of Life | April 2029 | + +`v26` follows the existing schedule. This is the last release under the current model. + +### `v27` (New Schedule) + +| Milestone | Date | +|-----------|------| +| Alpha begins | October 2026 | +| Release | April 2027 | +| Enters LTS | October 2027 | +| Maintenance | October 2028 | +| End of Life | March 2030 | + +`v27` is the first release under the new schedule. + +## Thank You + +This change is the result of discussions across [GitHub issues](https://github.com/nodejs/Release/issues/1113), Release Working Group meetings, and [the Collaboration Summit Chesapeake 2025](https://youtu.be/ppi87YjU9x0?si=NFF5WKIGDJE_U-_V&t=6524). We thank everyone who contributed feedback. + +For questions or comments, see [GitHub Issue #1113](https://github.com/nodejs/Release/issues/1113). From 62a4ff2814b9945136d6043fc3ab9314265a6580 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ulises Gascon Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:23:46 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 2/6] docs: add Alpha channel details and simplify LTS terminology MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit - Add "About the Alpha Channel" section explaining: - Target audience (library authors, CI pipelines) - Expectations (no security patches, API may change) - Rationale (feedback loop + V8 updates) - ABI stability noted as TBD - Simplify schedule phases: Alpha → Current → LTS (29 months) - Remove Active LTS / Maintenance distinction - Add Ubuntu release cycle comparison for familiarity - Clean up v26/v27 timelines (remove Maintenance milestone) --- .../evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md | 25 +++++++++++++++---- 1 file changed, 20 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md index 36e0146a55e42..68c56cdcea535 100644 --- a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md +++ b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md @@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ title: Evolving the Node.js Release Schedule layout: blog-post author: The Node.js Release Team --- + Starting with `v27`, Node.js will move from two major releases per year to one. This post explains what's changing, why, and what it means for users. ## Why This Change @@ -39,14 +40,29 @@ Starting with `v27` in 2027: |-------|----------|-------------| | Alpha | 5 months | Oct to Mar. Early testing, semver-major allowed | | Current | 6 months | Apr to Oct. Stabilization | -| Active LTS | 12 months | Regular updates and fixes | -| Maintenance | 17 months | Security and critical fixes only | +| LTS | 29 months | Long-term support with security fixes | Total support: 35 months from release to End of Life. +This model follows a pattern similar to Ubuntu's release cycle: predictable April/October anchors, with interim releases for testing and LTS releases for production. + +### About the Alpha Channel + +The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. + +**Who it's for:** Library authors and CI pipelines testing compatibility with upcoming breaking changes. Not intended for production use. + +**What to expect:** +- Semver-major changes land during this phase +- No security patches (only stable releases receive security fixes) +- API may change between Alpha releases +- ABI stability guarantees are still being defined and will be documented separately + +**Why:** Provides early feedback on breaking changes without maintaining another full release line. Also allows landing V8 updates earlier in the cycle, so we don't ship a single V8 version per year. + ## What's NOT Changing -- **LTS support duration** remains similar (29 months: 12 Active + 17 Maintenance) +- **LTS support duration** remains similar (29 months) - **Migration windows preserved**. Overlap between LTS versions remains. - **Quality standards unchanged**. Same testing, same CITGM, same security process. - **Predictable schedule**. April releases, October LTS promotion. @@ -71,13 +87,12 @@ Total support: 35 months from release to End of Life. | Alpha begins | October 2026 | | Release | April 2027 | | Enters LTS | October 2027 | -| Maintenance | October 2028 | | End of Life | March 2030 | `v27` is the first release under the new schedule. ## Thank You -This change is the result of discussions across [GitHub issues](https://github.com/nodejs/Release/issues/1113), Release Working Group meetings, and [the Collaboration Summit Chesapeake 2025](https://youtu.be/ppi87YjU9x0?si=NFF5WKIGDJE_U-_V&t=6524). We thank everyone who contributed feedback. +This change is the result of discussions across GitHub issues, Release Working Group meetings, and [the Collaboration Summit Chesapeake 2025](https://youtu.be/ppi87YjU9x0?si=NFF5WKIGDJE_U-_V&t=6524). We thank everyone who contributed feedback. For questions or comments, see [GitHub Issue #1113](https://github.com/nodejs/Release/issues/1113). From cc35d52cf7ed998cf4fea5587e749e743eca053b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ulises Gascon Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:26:45 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 3/6] docs: add 10-year schedule and clarify Alpha as nightly builds MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit - Add comprehensive 10-year schedule table (v27-v36) with Alpha, Release, LTS, and End of Life dates - Clarify that Alpha channel uses only nightly builds (no formal alpha releases, reducing releaser workload) - Link to nodejs.org/download/nightly for early testing - Reorder Timeline section: v26 → v27 → 10-year table --- .../evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md | 20 ++++++++++++++++--- 1 file changed, 17 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md index 68c56cdcea535..327ca31b5134c 100644 --- a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md +++ b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md @@ -48,15 +48,14 @@ This model follows a pattern similar to Ubuntu's release cycle: predictable Apri ### About the Alpha Channel -The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. +The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. During this period, only [nightly builds](https://nodejs.org/download/nightly/) are available for early testing. **Who it's for:** Library authors and CI pipelines testing compatibility with upcoming breaking changes. Not intended for production use. **What to expect:** - Semver-major changes land during this phase - No security patches (only stable releases receive security fixes) -- API may change between Alpha releases -- ABI stability guarantees are still being defined and will be documented separately +- API may change between builds **Why:** Provides early feedback on breaking changes without maintaining another full release line. Also allows landing V8 updates earlier in the cycle, so we don't ship a single V8 version per year. @@ -91,6 +90,21 @@ The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. `v27` is the first release under the new schedule. +### The Next 10 Years + +| Version | Alpha | Release | LTS | End of Life | +|---------|----------|----------|----------|-------------| +| v27 | Oct 2026 | Apr 2027 | Oct 2027 | Mar 2030 | +| v28 | Oct 2027 | Apr 2028 | Oct 2028 | Mar 2031 | +| v29 | Oct 2028 | Apr 2029 | Oct 2029 | Mar 2032 | +| v30 | Oct 2029 | Apr 2030 | Oct 2030 | Mar 2033 | +| v31 | Oct 2030 | Apr 2031 | Oct 2031 | Mar 2034 | +| v32 | Oct 2031 | Apr 2032 | Oct 2032 | Mar 2035 | +| v33 | Oct 2032 | Apr 2033 | Oct 2033 | Mar 2036 | +| v34 | Oct 2033 | Apr 2034 | Oct 2034 | Mar 2037 | +| v35 | Oct 2034 | Apr 2035 | Oct 2035 | Mar 2038 | +| v36 | Oct 2035 | Apr 2036 | Oct 2036 | Mar 2039 | + ## Thank You This change is the result of discussions across GitHub issues, Release Working Group meetings, and [the Collaboration Summit Chesapeake 2025](https://youtu.be/ppi87YjU9x0?si=NFF5WKIGDJE_U-_V&t=6524). We thank everyone who contributed feedback. From 3c1aa4e03badb1a8b1dac8f2fe673cbce6ff7775 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ulises Gascon Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:32:29 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 4/6] docs: use proper terminology --- .../evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md | 67 ++++++++++--------- 1 file changed, 34 insertions(+), 33 deletions(-) diff --git a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md index 327ca31b5134c..9ed150cb98fa8 100644 --- a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md +++ b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ layout: blog-post author: The Node.js Release Team --- -Starting with `v27`, Node.js will move from two major releases per year to one. This post explains what's changing, why, and what it means for users. +Starting with `27.x`, Node.js will move from two major releases per year to one. This post explains what's changing, why, and what it means for users. ## Why This Change @@ -26,21 +26,21 @@ Managing security releases across four or five active release lines has become d ## What's Changing -Starting with `v27` in 2027: +Starting with `27.x` in 2027: - **One major release per year** (April), with LTS promotion in October - **Every release becomes LTS**. No more odd/even distinction. - **Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases** for early testing -- **Version numbers align with years**: `v27` in 2027, `v28` in 2028 +- **Version numbers align with years**: `27.x` in 2027, `28.x` in 2028 - **Maximum 3 active release lines** (down from 5) ### New Schedule -| Phase | Duration | Description | -|-------|----------|-------------| -| Alpha | 5 months | Oct to Mar. Early testing, semver-major allowed | -| Current | 6 months | Apr to Oct. Stabilization | -| LTS | 29 months | Long-term support with security fixes | +| Phase | Duration | Description | +| ------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------------- | +| Alpha | 5 months | Oct to Mar. Early testing, semver-major allowed | +| Current | 6 months | Apr to Oct. Stabilization | +| LTS | 29 months | Long-term support with security fixes | Total support: 35 months from release to End of Life. @@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. During this period, only [nigh **Who it's for:** Library authors and CI pipelines testing compatibility with upcoming breaking changes. Not intended for production use. **What to expect:** + - Semver-major changes land during this phase - No security patches (only stable releases receive security fixes) - API may change between builds @@ -68,42 +69,42 @@ The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. During this period, only [nigh ## Timeline -### `v26` (Current Schedule) +### `26.x` (Current Schedule) -| Milestone | Date | -|-----------|------| -| Release | April 2026 | -| Enters LTS | October 2026 | +| Milestone | Date | +| ----------- | ------------ | +| Release | April 2026 | +| Enters LTS | October 2026 | | Maintenance | October 2027 | -| End of Life | April 2029 | +| End of Life | April 2029 | -`v26` follows the existing schedule. This is the last release under the current model. +`26.x` follows the existing schedule. This is the last release under the current model. -### `v27` (New Schedule) +### `27.x` (New Schedule) -| Milestone | Date | -|-----------|------| +| Milestone | Date | +| ------------ | ------------ | | Alpha begins | October 2026 | -| Release | April 2027 | -| Enters LTS | October 2027 | -| End of Life | March 2030 | +| Release | April 2027 | +| Enters LTS | October 2027 | +| End of Life | March 2030 | -`v27` is the first release under the new schedule. +`27.x` is the first release under the new schedule. ### The Next 10 Years | Version | Alpha | Release | LTS | End of Life | -|---------|----------|----------|----------|-------------| -| v27 | Oct 2026 | Apr 2027 | Oct 2027 | Mar 2030 | -| v28 | Oct 2027 | Apr 2028 | Oct 2028 | Mar 2031 | -| v29 | Oct 2028 | Apr 2029 | Oct 2029 | Mar 2032 | -| v30 | Oct 2029 | Apr 2030 | Oct 2030 | Mar 2033 | -| v31 | Oct 2030 | Apr 2031 | Oct 2031 | Mar 2034 | -| v32 | Oct 2031 | Apr 2032 | Oct 2032 | Mar 2035 | -| v33 | Oct 2032 | Apr 2033 | Oct 2033 | Mar 2036 | -| v34 | Oct 2033 | Apr 2034 | Oct 2034 | Mar 2037 | -| v35 | Oct 2034 | Apr 2035 | Oct 2035 | Mar 2038 | -| v36 | Oct 2035 | Apr 2036 | Oct 2036 | Mar 2039 | +| ------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | ----------- | +| 27.x | Oct 2026 | Apr 2027 | Oct 2027 | Mar 2030 | +| 28.x | Oct 2027 | Apr 2028 | Oct 2028 | Mar 2031 | +| 29.x | Oct 2028 | Apr 2029 | Oct 2029 | Mar 2032 | +| 30.x | Oct 2029 | Apr 2030 | Oct 2030 | Mar 2033 | +| 31.x | Oct 2030 | Apr 2031 | Oct 2031 | Mar 2034 | +| 32.x | Oct 2031 | Apr 2032 | Oct 2032 | Mar 2035 | +| 33.x | Oct 2032 | Apr 2033 | Oct 2033 | Mar 2036 | +| 34.x | Oct 2033 | Apr 2034 | Oct 2034 | Mar 2037 | +| 35.x | Oct 2034 | Apr 2035 | Oct 2035 | Mar 2038 | +| 36.x | Oct 2035 | Apr 2036 | Oct 2036 | Mar 2039 | ## Thank You From 295317e452c5add0d7ce8bd5757d45cb3514fae8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ulises Gascon Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:42:19 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 5/6] docs: clarify Alpha channel vs nightly builds in release schedule post --- .../evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md | 9 ++++----- 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md index 9ed150cb98fa8..20e755c668336 100644 --- a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md +++ b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md @@ -48,17 +48,16 @@ This model follows a pattern similar to Ubuntu's release cycle: predictable Apri ### About the Alpha Channel -The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. During this period, only [nightly builds](https://nodejs.org/download/nightly/) are available for early testing. +The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. Alpha releases are signed, tagged, and tested through CITGM. This is different from [nightly builds](https://nodejs.org/download/nightly/), which remain available as automated untested builds from main. **Who it's for:** Library authors and CI pipelines testing compatibility with upcoming breaking changes. Not intended for production use. **What to expect:** - - Semver-major changes land during this phase -- No security patches (only stable releases receive security fixes) -- API may change between builds +- Releases are signed and tagged (unlike nightly) +- API may change between releases -**Why:** Provides early feedback on breaking changes without maintaining another full release line. Also allows landing V8 updates earlier in the cycle, so we don't ship a single V8 version per year. +**Why:** Provides early feedback on breaking changes with quality gates that nightly builds lack. Also allows landing V8 updates earlier in the cycle. ## What's NOT Changing From 1d1c970c35810f9179b7a3193b79e7836df9abe9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ulises Gascon Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:16:46 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 6/6] docs: add image to support the new schedule --- .../evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md | 2 + .../2026-new-release-schedule.svg | 40 +++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 42 insertions(+) create mode 100644 apps/site/public/static/images/blog/announcements/2026-new-release-schedule.svg diff --git a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md index 20e755c668336..47bff628c51c0 100644 --- a/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md +++ b/apps/site/pages/en/blog/announcements/evolving-the-nodejs-release-schedule.md @@ -68,6 +68,8 @@ The Alpha channel replaces odd-numbered releases. Alpha releases are signed, tag ## Timeline +![New Node.js Release Schedule](/static/images/blog/announcements/2026-new-release-schedule.svg) + ### `26.x` (Current Schedule) | Milestone | Date | diff --git a/apps/site/public/static/images/blog/announcements/2026-new-release-schedule.svg b/apps/site/public/static/images/blog/announcements/2026-new-release-schedule.svg new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000..08547d5e9f6c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/apps/site/public/static/images/blog/announcements/2026-new-release-schedule.svg @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ +Jan 2026Jan 2027Jan 2028Jan 2029Jan 2030Jan 2031Jan 2032Jan 2033MainNode.js 24Node.js 25Node.js 26Node.js 27Node.js 28Node.js 29Node.js 30unstablemaintenanceactivecurrentmaintenancecurrentmaintenanceactivecurrentltscurrentalphaltscurrentalphaltscurrentalphaltscurrentalpha \ No newline at end of file