At one time, Oracle only released new versions with major updates and changes in the JDK. Now we have a much more regular cadence, with Oracle releasing new Java versions every six months (March and September). Each of these releases contains a handful of new features and bug fixes. Every handful of releases, however, Oracle introduces a new Java LTS, or long term support, version.
Read on to find out which Java versions have long term support available, why Java LTS is important for enterprises, and what Oracle's roadmap for future Java LTS versions look like.
What is Java LTS
A Java LTS version, or long term support version, is a Java version that will remain the industry standard for several years. Currently supported Java LTS versions include Java 17, Java 21 — and as of September 2025, Java 25.
The focus of each JDK release is not as oriented toward features as it had been in the past. Now, releases are now much more focused on stability and support. Each long-term release of the JDK is supported by Oracle for 4 years, while the short term releases are only supported for 6 months.
As a part of its long term support policy, Oracle offers quarterly bug fixes and version support for an extended duration. Intermediary semi-annual releases between major Java LTS releases are supported for a shorter duration. For this reason, Java LTS versions are considered more stable for enterprise use.
🤹🏾♂️ Learn more about switching between Java versions on the command line.
This support and release cadence is based off the release cadence of Mozilla Firefox but has been adjusted to meet the specific needs of the Java user base. In January 2019, Oracle made sweeping changes to licensing requirements for Java SE (Oracle’s JDK runtime). Up until that point, more that 70% of commercial Java applications used the Oracle JDK JVM. Given this pricing structure shift, more and more organizations are exploring supported builds of OpenJDK Java runtimes.
⚙️ Explore enterprise support for OpenJDK through OpenLogic.
Back to topWhat is the Latest Version of Java?
Back to topThe latest version of Java is Java 25, which is also a Java LTS version.
Which Java Versions Have Long Term Support?
The following Java versions currently have long term support per Oracle’s support roadmap:
Java 17
Java 17 was released in September 2021 and is slated to receive premier support through 2026 with extended support sunsetting by September 2029.
Java 21
Java 21 was released in September 2023 and marks an increasing cadence in Java LTS versions. Java 21 is scheduled to receive premier support through September 2028 and extended support through September 2031.
💠 Learn about the hidden gems in Java 21. Read the blog.
Java 25
Java 25 was released in September 2025 and continues the biannual cadence of Java LTS versions. Java 25 is scheduled to receive premier support through September 2030 and extended support through September 2033.
🆕 Java 25 is here! See what’s new in the latest Java LTS release.
Back to topWhy Should Java LTS Matter For My Organization?
Long term support matters for organizations because these Java versions are more stable and receive regular bug fixes. Organizations don’t have time to update Java runtimes every six months, nor should they.
According to the 2025 Java Developer Productivity Report, 61% of respondents said they use Java 17, 45% reported using Java 21, 5% reported using Java 22, and 9% reported using Java 23. Meanwhile, 72% of respondents are using Oracle distributions that are no longer supported, including 32% using Java 11, 35% using Java 8, and 5% using Java 7 or older versions. Additionally,
respondents also reported using Kotlin (10%), Groovy (7%), and Scala (3%). These numbers are a stark contrast to results from two years ago, when 52% of respondents were using Java 11 or an older Java version, and are only expected to release as Java 25 comes online and Java 11 goes out of support.
Back to topHungry for more stats around what versions, frameworks, and IDEs your Java development peers are using? Download the 2025 Java Developer Productivity Report.
How Frequently Are Java LTS Versions Released?
Oracle now releases Java LTS versions every two years, but that hasn't always been the case.
In September 2021, Oracle proposed shifting the cadence of Java LTS releases from every three years to every two years. With the release of Java 21 in September 2023, that shift is coming to fruition and has been continued with the release of Java 25 in September 2025.
For conservative Java development shops, an every-three-year cadence for Java LTS versions is ideal. But developers pressed Oracle for a shorter long term support cycle as they move to incorporate modern tools and techniques. The two-year cadence seeks to answer those requests.
Back to topFinal Thoughts
No matter what JDK version your Java shop is running on, you're likely looking for ways to increase developer efficiency. Save upwards of a month of development time annually by eliminating redeploys with JRebel. JRebel currently supports JDK17, JDK 21, and JDK 25, so you're Java LTS needs are covered while eliminating redeploys.
Discover how much development time you could save during your 14-day free trial of JRebel.