*** This post has been updated in 24 October 2025 *****

Oracle has just changed their product life cycle support for their database technology especially.

26ai was released in 2025 (re-branded from the former 23ai version)

There are two types of releases now: Long Term Release , and Innovation Release

Long Term Release:  are ideal for use cases that benefit from less frequent upgrades to newer releases. This type of release offers highest stability. The long term release will have 5 years of Premier Support.

Innovation Release:  is a release between long term releases. This type of releases will provide new enhancements and capabilities. it will have short period of Premier support which is 2 years. The idea here is to provide cutting edge technologies for rapidly evolving technologies.

Oracle 12cR2 support will end 31st March 2022 [out of support]

Oracle 18c (is considered innovation release now !!): 8th June 2021 (already out of support)

Oracle 19c (long term release):Premier Support (PS) ends December 31, 2029. Extended Support (ES) will be Jan 01, 2030 through December 31, 2032

Oracle 21c (innovation release):  July 31, 2027

Oracle 26ai (long term release): Premier Support ends December 31, 2031. Extended Support : To Be Declared

 

 

Oracle official reference documentation: Doc ID 742060.1