LTS and Non-LTS Releases

Since Java 9, the JDK has followed a strict six-month release cadence: a new version ships every March and September. Most of these are feature releases with a short support window — typically six months, until the next version arrives. These are sometimes called non-LTS, short-term support (STS), or simply feature releases.

Every few years, one release is designated Long-Term Support (LTS). LTS releases receive security patches and bug fixes for a significantly longer period — at least several years for most vendors, and often much longer with commercial support agreements. Java 8, 11, 17, 21, and 25 are LTS releases. The interval between LTS releases shifted from three years (8→11→17) to two years (17→21→25) starting with Java 21.

For production deployments, most organisations stick to LTS releases. The non-LTS releases between them are useful for developers who want to experiment with new language features in preview or incubator status before they finalise in the next LTS.