Release version and schedule

reference

There are two Mender release types:

  • LTS (Long Term Support)
  • non-LTS (Standard Support)

Our quality requirements for both release types are the same, the only difference between LTS and non-LTS releases is the support length. We maintain LTS releases through patch releases for one year from the release date. In contrast, non-LTS releases get patch releases only if an urgent vulnerability is found between the release date and the next release.

Keeping this distinction in mind helps decide which version to adopt and when to upgrade to a new version. In addition, ensure you are always using the latest available patch releases for the optimal operation of Mender.

Versioning

Mender users Semantic Versioning, and the version numbers are in the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format.

We increment:

  • MAJOR version when we make incompatible API changes
  • MINOR version when we add functionalities in a backward compatible manner
  • PATCH version when we make backward compatible bug fixes to existing releases

By design, the Mender Backend is always backward compatible with older versions of the Mender components. Therefore, incrementing the MAJOR version means that the Mender components (generally speaking, the authentication and update components) depend on a corresponding MAJOR version of the Management Server. However, any older Mender components will still work with a Management Server running a more recent version.

Release Cadence

We release a new version every three months, either as a non-LTS or LTS release. We publish LTS releases approximately every six months, but version numbers (e.g., major or minor version bumps) may vary depending on the release's content. Check back here to learn which versions are part of an LTS release series.

We publish patch versions for older LTS releases roughly the same time we publish the new minor or major releases unless we discover an urgent vulnerability that requires an immediate fix.

Current LTS releases

At this time, we support the following LTS releases: 3.7.

LTS Supported until
3.7 2025-05
Yocto LTS support

Our meta-mender Yocto layer supports the latest two Yocto LTS releases.

We welcome contributions to improve this documentation. To submit a change, use the Edit link at the top of the page or email us at .