*** This post has been updated in December 2023 *****

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

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.

updated in August 2023 the following are support dates:

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 April 30, 2024, two years of waived Extended Support (ES) fees will be in effect from May 1, 2024 until April 30, 2026. Fees will be required beginning May 01, 2026 through April 30, 2027

Oracle 21c (innovation release):  April 30, 2025

Oracle 23c (long term release):  initial on-premise expected release would be April 2024

 

oracle official reference documentation: Doc ID 742060.1