A new Rails version is here: All about the Rails 8 Beta release
The new Beta of Rails 8.0 brings new features, optimized processes and also marks the end of community support for Rails 6.1 - everything you need to know now.
The Beta of Rails 8.0 has arrived! Just in time for the Ruby-on-Rails conference, Rails World, the latest version of Ruby on Rails brings numerous improvements for both developers and businesses. At the same time, it means that official community support for Rails 6.1 will soon come to an end. In this post, you’ll learn about the new features in Rails 8.0 and what options you have if your applications are still running on Rails 6.1 or older. It is not yet clear when the full version of Rails 8 will be released.
Key updates in Rails 8.0
Rails 8.0 introduces many improvements aimed at simplifying the development and operation of applications significantly:
- Solid Queue and Solid Cache by default: By switching to database-based queues and caches, many applications will no longer require additional in-memory services like Redis. This reduces costs and simplifies the technology stack.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Rails 8 includes enhanced support for PWAs, with the new Action Notifier Framework efficiently managing push notifications.
- New authentication generator: Finally, a native, lightweight solution for user authentication is available, eliminating the need for external libraries like Devise.
- Enhanced developer tools: Tools like Rubocop and a standard Language Server Protocol (LSP) boost code quality and improve the development experience.
- Streamlined deployment with Kamal: Kamal is integrated as the default deployment solution. Along with GitHub CI, it ensures automated, secure, and efficient deployment of applications.
Transitioning to Rails 8.0: What you should consider during the upgrade
While upgrading to Rails 8.0 offers many advantages, it requires careful preparation:
- Recommendation: First, upgrade to Rails 7.2 and ensure your application runs smoothly. This minimizes the risk of complications when transitioning to Rails 8.0.
- Risks and opportunities: Rails 8 simplifies the technology stack and introduces new features. However, adjustments may be needed to keep existing projects stable. In the long run, Rails 8’s new features will reduce maintenance effort and operational costs.
Community support and EOL for Rails 6.1
The new Ruby on Rails maintenance policy
The maintenance policy for Ruby on Rails defines how older versions are handled, how long community support is available, and when a version officially reaches EOL. The policy has recently been updated and simplified. Going forward:
- New features: New features are typically released every six months. If a version goes more than a year without new features, the support duration will be extended accordingly.
- Bug fixes: Minor releases receive bug fixes for one year after their initial release. After that, those versions are considered unsupported.
- Security updates: Security vulnerabilities are patched for two years following the release of a version. After that period, official support ends.
Version | Security Support Until |
Rails 7.2.x | August 9, 2026 |
Rails 7.1.x | October 1, 2025 |
Rails 7.0.x | April 1, 2025 |
Rails 6.1.x | October 1, 2024 |
Alternative to community support: Rails LTS
For companies that don’t have the capacity to upgrade or are concerned about compatibility issues with the new version, we offer an alternative to community support: Rails LTS. With a Rails LTS subscription, you will continue to receive security updates.
Rails versions supported by Rails LTS
Rails 6.1 LTS
Benefits of Rails LTS
- Security updates: We continue to provide security patches even after a version is officially unsupported.
- Upgrade on your own timeline: You choose when to switch to a newer version without pressure from official deadlines.
- Compatibility: Rails LTS is a drop-in replacement for existing Rails versions and requires minimal code changes.
- Support for both modern and older Ruby versions: Rails LTS works with the Ruby versions current at release, and also regularly adds support for newer Rubies. For example, Rails 2.3 LTS can run on Ruby 3.3, released 15 years later!