Java Development Kit Future Versions Unveiled
JDK 27, the second non-LTS release since JDK 25, has reached its first release candidate, according to Mark Reinhold, Chief Architect, Java Platform Group at Oracle. The main-line source repository defines the feature set for JDK 27. Critical bugs may be addressed, but must be approved via the Fix-Request process. As per the release schedule, JDK 27 will be formally released on September 15, 2026.
The final set of nine new features, in the form of JEPs, can be separated into four categories: Core Java Library, HotSpot, Security Library, and Java Language Specification. They are categorized to organize the updates.
Three of these new features are categorized under Core Java Library: JEP 531: Lazy Constants (Third Preview), JEP 533: Structured Concurrency (Seventh Preview), and JEP 537: Vector API (Twelfth Incubator). These features improve the Java library.
Three of these new features are categorized under HotSpot: JEP 523: Make G1 the Default Garbage Collector in All Environments, JEP 534: Compact Object Headers by Default, and JEP 536: JFR In-Process Data Redaction. They enhance the HotSpot component.
Two of these new features are categorized under Security Library: JEP 527: Post-Quantum Hybrid Key Exchange for TLS 1.3 and JEP 538: PEM Encodings of Cryptographic Objects (Third Preview). It improves the security of the Java library.
One of these new features is categorized under Java Language Specification: JEP 532: Primitive Types in Patterns, instanceof, and switch (Fifth Preview). This update modifies the Java language.
Scheduled for a GA release in March 2027, six JEPs will be included in JDK 28. JEP 541, Deprecate the macOS/x64 Port for Removal, has been Targeted for JDK 28. This JEP proposes to deprecate the macOS/x64 port as Apple no longer supports this architecture, which is related to Apple’s production plans.
JEP 540, Simple JSON API (Incubator), has been Targeted for JDK 28. This JEP defines a simple, standard API for parsing and generating JSON documents without the need for an external library, making it easier for developers to work with JSON data.
JEP 539, Strict Field Initialization in the JVM (Preview), has been Targeted for JDK 28. This JEP introduces strictly-initialized fields in the Java Virtual Machine that are required to be initialized before they are read, enhancing the JVM’s functionality.
For developers, the introduction of these new features in JDK 27 and JDK 28 means they will have access to improved performance, security, and functionality, allowing them to create more efficient and reliable applications. The Java Development Kit continues to evolve to meet the needs of the development community, with new features like real-time safety systems being explored.
JEP 401, Value Objects (Preview), has been Targeted for JDK 28. This JEP proposes to enhance the language with value objects, defined as objects that only contain final fields, do not have identity, and are solely distinguished by the values of their respective fields, which will simplify development.
Draft JEPs, such as JEP Draft 8389764, Lazy Constants (Fourth Preview), and JEP Draft 8329758, Faster Startup and Warmup with ZGC, may be subject to change at any time, and developers should be aware of these potential updates.
Oracle will target additional JEPs for JDK 28 very soon. The development of JDK 27 and JDK 28 is ongoing, with new features and improvements being added regularly, and the community can expect further enhancements in the future.
Developers can expect significant improvements.
