Database administrators and system engineers know there’s nothing quite like the stress of tracking Oracle Database end-of-support dates. With Oracle’s recent extensions to support timelines for several versions, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Let’s dive into a comprehensive, up-to-date breakdown of Oracle Database EOS information across all versions.
1. Understanding Oracle Database Support Policies
Oracle Database releases fall into two distinct categories:
Long Term Release (LTR)
- 5 years of Premier Support
- 3 years of Extended Support
- Perfect for production environments requiring stability and long-term support
- Examples: 11g, 12c R1, 19c, 23ai
Innovation Release
- Minimum 2 years of Premier Support
- No Extended Support available
- Ideal for testing new features and development environments
- Examples: 18c, 21c
2. Current Oracle Database Support Status (2025 Updates)
Oracle Database 19c (Long Term Release)
Oracle dropped some major news in November 2024 with significant extensions to 19c support.
- Premier Support: Until December 31, 2029 (massively extended from April 30, 2024)
- Extended Support: Until December 31, 2032 (extended from April 30, 2027)
- Patching End: December 31, 2032
- ⚠️ Important Limitations: During Extended Support period (May 1, 2027 to December 31, 2032), Oracle will exclude support for BSAFE crypto libraries, Java-related products, TLS, Native Network Encryption, Transparent Data Encryption, DBMS_CRYPTO, FIPS compliance, and related components.
Oracle Database 21c (Innovation Release)
The 21c timeline also got a welcome extension.
- Premier Support: Until July 31, 2027 (extended from April 30, 2024)
- Extended Support: Not available
- Patching End: July 31, 2027
Oracle Database 23ai (Long Term Release)
Oracle’s latest AI-powered release comes with its own unique timeline.
- Premier Support: Until December 31, 2031
- Extended Support: TBD (To Be Decided)
- On-Premises General Release: TBA (To Be Announced)
- Currently Available: Oracle Cloud, Exadata, and Oracle Database Appliance (ODA) only
3. End-of-Life Oracle Database Versions
Oracle Database 18c (Innovation Release)
- Premier Support: Ended June 30, 2021
- Current Status: Sustaining Support phase
- Recommendation: Immediate upgrade to 19c required
Oracle Database 12c Release 2 (12.2.0.1)
- Premier Support: Ended March 31, 2020
- Extended Support: Not available
- Limited Error Correction: Restricted support only
- Current Status: Out of support
Oracle Database 12c Release 1 (12.1.0.2)
- Premier Support: Ended July 31, 2018
- Extended Support: Ended July 31, 2022 (included 1 year of free Extended Support)
- Current Status: Completely out of support
Oracle Database 11g Release 2 (11.2.0.4)
- Premier Support: Ended January 31, 2015
- Extended Support: Ended December 31, 2020 (free Extended Support provided until December 31, 2018)
- Current Status: Completely out of support
4. Oracle Database Version EOS Timeline
| Version | Release Type | Premier Support End | Extended Support End | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23ai | LTR | December 31, 2031 | TBD | Active Support (Cloud Only) |
| 21c | Innovation | July 31, 2027 | Not Available | Active Support |
| 19c | LTR | December 31, 2029 | December 31, 2032 | Active Support |
| 18c | Innovation | June 30, 2021 | Not Available | Sustaining Support |
| 12c R2 | Terminal | March 31, 2020 | Not Available | Out of Support |
| 12c R1 | LTR | July 31, 2018 | July 31, 2022 | Out of Support |
| 11g R2 | LTR | January 31, 2015 | December 31, 2020 | Out of Support |
5. Understanding Support Levels
Premier Support
- New features and enhancements
- Bug fixes and security patches
- 24/7 technical support
- Hardware and OS certifications
Extended Support
- Bug fixes for existing functionality
- Critical security patches
- Limited technical support
- Additional fees apply (some periods waived)
Sustaining Support
- Access to existing patches and documentation only
- No new patch development
- Limited technical support
6. Upgrade Recommendations by Current Version
Current 12c Users
Since 12c R1 and R2 support has already ended, immediate upgrade is critical.
- Direct upgrade path: 12c → 19c → 23ai
- Market Driven Support available through 2026
- Zero tolerance for delay at this point
Current 18c Users
18c is in Sustaining Support phase as an Innovation Release.
- Recommended upgrade: 18c → 19c
- 23ai general on-premises release timeline remains uncertain
Current 19c Users
19c has received massive support extensions, making it viable for years to come.
- Premier Support extended until December 31, 2029 provides breathing room
- 23ai On-Premises general release schedule uncertain, allowing careful planning
- Extended Support available until 2032 if needed
7. Cost Optimization Strategies
Extended Support Policies
Oracle provides Extended Support for select Long Term Release versions:
- 19c: Premier Support extended to 2029, eliminating immediate additional costs
- 21c: No Extended Support available; requires upgrade when Premier Support ends (July 31, 2027)
Cloud Environment Considerations
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers receive Extended Support at no additional cost.
Oracle’s database support policies continue evolving rapidly. The November 2024 announcements extending 19c and 21c support gave many organizations a chance to reassess their upgrade timelines.
The key isn’t just upgrading to meet end-of-support deadlines—it’s taking a strategic approach that considers business requirements alongside technical benefits. With 19c’s Premier Support now extended until 2029, organizations have the luxury of time to plan carefully while 23ai matures.
What’s particularly interesting is Oracle’s cloud-first strategy becoming increasingly apparent. The uncertain timeline for 23ai’s general on-premises release suggests organizations need to carefully consider their future database infrastructure strategy—whether staying on-premises, moving to cloud, or adopting a hybrid approach.
Keep checking Oracle’s official release schedule regularly and update your upgrade plans whenever changes occur. Your database is the backbone of your business—give it the strategic planning it deserves.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
All support timeline and policy information in this blog is based on Oracle’s official documentation as of July 2025.
Oracle Corporation may change product support policies, end-of-support dates, and release schedules without prior notice, and such changes are made at Oracle’s sole discretion. Oracle MOS Note 742060.1 (Release Schedule of Current Database Releases) is a “living document” that’s continuously updated, so always verify the latest information through Oracle’s official documentation.
Any upgrade planning or decisions based on this information are entirely the user’s responsibility. We strongly recommend confirming the latest information through official Oracle channels before making critical decisions.
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