Oracle Database Releases May 2026

19c is the last release of the 12.2 code line (12.2 → 18c → 19c). It is the most stable, most deployed Oracle version in production today. If you are running 11g or 12c, 19c is your safe, low-risk upgrade target.

If you’ve worked with Oracle Database for more than a few years, you remember the old days: a major release every 4–5 years, a few patchsets, and a clear "end of life" you could mark on a calendar. oracle database releases

The confusion? Oracle doesn't always label them clearly. But the pattern holds. Released: 2019 (as 19.1) Premier Support ends: April 2027 Extended Support ends: April 2030 19c is the last release of the 12

Skip it. Upgrade from 19c directly to 23ai. 3. Oracle Database 23ai – The Future (Formerly 23c) Released: General availability May 2024 Support model: Long Term Release (yes, confirmed by Oracle) If you’ve worked with Oracle Database for more

That world is gone.

Oracle has fundamentally changed its release and support model. With the introduction of (formerly 23c), Oracle is signaling that "long term stable" and "cutting edge AI" can now coexist.

21c was an innovation release that very few customers adopted. Its key features (native blockchain tables, JSON data type improvements, in-database JavaScript) were absorbed into 23c/23ai.