Apache Kafka 3.8 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Apache Kafka 3.8 reached end of life on 6 Nov 2024. Standard support is over — security updates now require extended support, which runs to 2 Dec 2026.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Apache Kafka release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 26 Jul 2024 | — |
| End of life | 6 Nov 2024 | 1.8 years ago |
| Extended support ends | 2 Dec 2026 | 115 days left |
| Latest release | 3.8.1 · 29 Oct 2024 | final |
Where to go from 3.8
Recommended target: Apache Kafka 4.3.
The newest actively supported branch is Apache Kafka 4.3 (latest release 4.3.1).
Frequently asked questions
Is Apache Kafka 3.8 still safe to use?
Apache Kafka 3.8 left standard support on 6 Nov 2024. It still receives security updates under extended support until 2 Dec 2026 — 115 days from now — but only if you are enrolled. Without it, no fixes reach you.
Can I still download Apache Kafka 3.8?
Yes — the final release (3.8.1) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Apache Kafka 3.8 to?
Upgrade to Apache Kafka 4.3, the newest actively supported branch.