python Django Weblog ·

Django moves to annual releases with longer support

bloggadeprecationeolengineerpython-web
deprecation feature announcement

Django will adopt an annual release cycle starting in January 2028, with each release receiving three years of support and aligning better with Python's annual release cadence. This change aims to simplify upgrades by eliminating the LTS designation and offering a consistent support window, benefiting both Django users and third-party package maintainers. The first release under this new model will be Django 2028, with previous LTS commitments remaining unchanged until then.

  • Retiring the LTS label
  • Annual feature releases aligned with Python
  • Simplified upgrade path
  • Transition timeline and current support
Deprecations (1)
  • Retiring the LTS label

    The 'LTS' label for releases is being retired, as all future feature releases will receive a three-year support commitment. This includes one year of mainstream bugfixes followed by two years of security and data-loss fixes.

Features (1)
  • Annual feature releases aligned with Python

    Starting January 2028, Django will transition to a single feature release per year, scheduled to better align with Python's annual release cycle. Each new Django version will support the three most recent Python versions at the time of its release.

Enhancements (1)
  • Simplified upgrade path

    The new annual cycle aims to simplify the upgrade process by eliminating the 'LTS gap' and allowing users to upgrade one year at a time within the support window. Third-party packages will have a clear, rolling target for compatibility.

Notes (1)
  • Transition timeline and current support

    Django 2028 will be the first release under the new cycle, with Django 6.1 and 6.2 LTS support continuing as planned until their respective end-of-life dates in December 2027 and April 2030. Nothing will change in the release cycle before 2028.

Read the original announcement →

https://www.djangoproject.com/weblog/2026/aug/10/annual-release-cycle/

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