• Date of Change: January 2025
• Affected Product Version: Neo4j Server 

After the 5.x LTS release, Neo4j introduced Cypher 25, separating the evolution of the database and the query language. We continue to provide a compatibility layer, allowing you to use either Cypher 5 or Cypher 25, regardless of the database version. New features will be added to Cypher 25, while Cypher 5 remains a stable option.

This gives customers the flexibility to:

• Stay on Cypher 5 for stability

• Adopt Cypher 25 to access new features—on your timeline

 

 

To clearly differentiate from Cypher, Neo4j transitioned the core database to a calendar-based versioning scheme. Versions follow the format YYYY.MM.Patch, replacing the previous Major.Minor.Patch format (e.g., 5.21.0). For example, a release in January 2025 is versioned as 2025.01.00.

 

 

The date in the version reflects when the release was published—it does not indicate a major version. Unlike semantic versioning, the year is not treated as a major version boundary. All releases remain part of a single, continuous release stream.

As today, a new version of the database will be released each month, using the format YYYY.MM.Patch (e.g., 2025.02.00). This provides regular access to new features, improvements, and security updates.

 

 

When the product reaches a high level of stability, Neo4j designates a release as a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, typically every 18–24 months. LTS versions are supported and maintained for a minimum of 3 years, providing a stable option for enterprise customers who prefer less frequent change. The graphic below is an illustrative example of Neo4j’s release model, showing how continuous monthly releases relate to LTS (Long-Term Support) branches. The version numbers and dates shown are examples only and do not represent actual or planned releases.

 

 

 

Long-Term Support (LTS) versions receive critical security and bug fixes through patch releases as needed. During the maintenance period, features are not deprecated or removed, ensuring a stable and predictable environment for production use.

 

• None

• Neo4j server versions
• Cypher 25, Cypher 5, and Neo4j explained
• Neo4j Supported Versions
• Neo4j Product & Support Terms