InfoQ

Inside Java

As the Java community looks forward to the future releases of Java Development Kit (JDK) 26 and JDK 27, there is much anticipation about the features and improvements these updates will bring. JDK 26, marking the first non-LTS release since JDK 25, has reached its second release candidate with the general availability set for March 17, 2026. This release introduces ten Java Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) across various categories such as Core Java Library, HotSpot, Java Language Specification, Security Library, and Client Library.
Key innovations in JDK 26 include HTTP/3 support, the sixth preview of Structured Concurrency, the second preview of Lazy Constants, the eleventh incubator of the Vector API, and preparations for enforcing the concept of “final means final.” Furthermore, enhancements in the HotSpot category focus on G1 GC throughput improvements and Ahead-of-Time Object Caching compatible with any GC. The Java Language Specification sees the fourth preview of Primitive Types in Patterns, while the Security Library continues to refine PEM Encodings. Notably, this release also marks the removal of the Applet API from the Client Library.
Looking ahead to JDK 27, slated for a September 2026 release, the roadmap already includes the post-quantum hybrid key exchange for TLS 1.3 (JEP 527) and proposed features like Value Classes from Project Valhalla and the third preview of Lazy Constants. Build 10 of the early-access version reveals a focus on removing ThreadPoolExecutor.finalize(), potentially impacting existing code, along with updates to timezone data and various security improvements. Additionally, JavaFX 27 builds are in early access for developers eager to begin testing.
Beyond JDK updates, the Java ecosystem continues to advance with key projects and releases scheduled. Jakarta EE 12 is progressing, the February 2026 edition of the Payara Platform was published, and Apache Camel introduced a new point release featuring the OCSF data format and MCP module. Maintenance releases for frameworks like Hibernate Search and Quarkus further contribute to the robust Java landscape. As Java evolves through these updates, developers are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for the impactful changes these upcoming JDK versions will bring.

Collections

JDK 26, the first non-LTS release after JDK 25, reaches its second release candidate with GA set for March 17, 2026. It introduces ten JEPs including HTTP/3 support, Structured Concurrency (sixth preview), Lazy Constants (second preview), Vector API (eleventh incubator), G1 GC throughput improvements, Ahead-of-Time Object Caching, Primitive Types in Patterns (fourth preview), PEM Encodings refinements, and removal of the Applet API. JDK 27, targeting September 2026, already has post-quantum hybrid key exchange for TLS 1.3 (JEP 527), Value Classes from Project Valhalla, and removal of ThreadPoolExecutor.finalize() on the roadmap. The broader Java ecosystem also sees progress with Jakarta EE 12, Payara Platform updates, Apache Camel's new point release with OCSF and MCP module, and maintenance releases for Hibernate Search and Quarkus.

JDK 26 and JDK 27: Upcoming Features and Changes