• Introduces the new calendar-based versioning model, replacing the previous sequential version numbering used by releases such as MySQL 9.7.
• Adds post-quantum cryptography capabilities for TLS connections, including administrative, replication, and MySQL X Plugin connections.
• Makes the MySQL Thread Pool plugin available in MySQL Community Edition.
• Changes the default thread_pool_max_unused_threads value from 2 to 32.
• Adds the --extended-insert-multiline option to mysqldump.
• Improves InnoDB performance and stability, including reduced contention during index creation and table truncation.
• Updates MySQL Clone behavior to support the new calendar-based versioning model.
• Improves JSON relational duality views and fixes multiple JSON processing and validation issues.
• Includes numerous optimizer fixes addressing crashes, incorrect query results, JOIN processing, CTE handling, ROLLUP queries, and aggregation.
• Includes multiple replication, Performance Schema, Audit Log, X Plugin, and InnoDB fixes.

Deprecations

• group_replication_communication_stack is deprecated and scheduled for removal in a future release.
• group_replication_ip_allowlist is deprecated and scheduled for removal in a future release.

Upgrade Considerations

This release introduces a major version-numbering transition. Organizations should review version-detection scripts, deployment automation, monitoring tools, backup processes, and application compatibility before upgrading.