PolarDB for MySQL provides long-term technical support for MySQL 5.6, 5.7, and 8.0 with no end-of-support date scheduled. If an end-of-support date is set in the future, Alibaba Cloud will notify you by email, text message, or announcement.
The table below shows the release and end-of-life dates for each MySQL Community Edition version alongside the corresponding PolarDB for MySQL support status.
Some dates in the table are estimated and may change before the MySQL Community Edition end-of-life date or the PolarDB for MySQL end-of-support date. The actual dates prevail.
| Major engine version | Release date of MySQL Community Edition | End-of-life date of MySQL Community Edition | End-of-support date of PolarDB for MySQL |
|---|---|---|---|
| MySQL 8.0 | April 19, 2018 | April 2026 (estimated) | No end-of-support timetable set |
| MySQL 5.7 | October 21, 2015 | October 21, 2023 | No end-of-support timetable set |
| MySQL 5.6 | February 05, 2013 | February 05, 2021 | No end-of-support timetable set |
What "no end-of-support timetable set" means
MySQL Community Edition publishes fixed end-of-life dates. After those dates, the open-source community no longer provides updates for that version.
PolarDB for MySQL operates independently of the MySQL Community Edition lifecycle. Even after MySQL Community Edition reaches end of life, PolarDB for MySQL continues to provide technical support for versions 5.6, 5.7, and 8.0. No end-of-support date has been determined for any of these versions.
When an end-of-support date is determined, you will be notified in advance through email, text message, or a platform announcement, giving you time to plan any required upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to upgrade my MySQL version when MySQL Community Edition reaches end of life?
No immediate action is required. PolarDB for MySQL support is independent of the MySQL Community Edition lifecycle. Your cluster continues to receive technical support from Alibaba Cloud after the MySQL Community Edition end-of-life date.
How will I know when PolarDB for MySQL support ends for a version?
Alibaba Cloud will notify you in advance by email, text message, or platform announcement before any end-of-support date is set. No end-of-support date has been determined for MySQL 5.6, 5.7, or 8.0 at this time.
Which version should I use for new clusters?
MySQL 8.0 is the latest major version. It offers the most current features and will continue to receive community updates until April 2026 (estimated), after which PolarDB for MySQL support continues independently.