RC: 8.2 Pro release - version management

content/operate/rc/databases/configuration/advanced-capabilities.md

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Available options depend on your database plan and **Type**.
 
 ## Redis Cloud Essentials {#essentials}
 
-All Redis Cloud Essentials databases with versions prior to Redis 8.0 support [Redis Stack]({{< relref "/operate/oss_and_stack/" >}}), which enables the most frequently used capabilities. 
+All Redis Cloud Essentials databases with versions prior to Redis 8.0 support [Redis Stack]({{< relref "/operate/oss_and_stack/" >}}), which enables the most frequently used capabilities.
 
 {{<image filename="images/rc/new-database-general-type-free-stack.png" alt="For Essentials, the Type setting in the General section includes an option for Redis." width="300px">}}
 
@@ -27,12 +27,30 @@ When the database **Type** is set to _Redis_, the Advanced capabilities section
 
 Starting with Redis 8.0, all advanced capabilities provided by Redis Stack are included in Redis by default.
 
-Redis Cloud is updated on a regular basis, which includes the advanced capabilities supported by the service. Versions displayed by the Redis Cloud console may vary from those shown above.  For the latest details of any capability, see [Redis Stack and Redis Enterprise]({{< relref "/operate/oss_and_stack/stack-with-enterprise" >}}). 
+### Version management for Essentials
+
+- **Minor version auto-upgrades**: Always enabled for Redis 8+, upgrades to latest minor version during maintenance windows
+- **Major version upgrades**: Customer controlled, never automatic
+- **Latest versions**: All new databases automatically use the latest available Redis version
+- **Notifications**: You receive notifications when new database versions become available
+
+For more information about Redis Cloud version management, see [Redis version management]({{< relref "/operate/rc/databases/version-management" >}}).
+
+Redis Cloud is updated on a regular basis, which includes the advanced capabilities supported by the service. Versions displayed by the Redis Cloud console may vary from those shown above.  For the latest details of any capability, see [Redis Stack and Redis Enterprise]({{< relref "/operate/oss_and_stack/stack-with-enterprise" >}}).
 
 ## Redis Cloud Pro {#pro}
 
 By default, Redis Cloud Pro databases load all supported advanced capabilities. You can choose to load specific capabilities when you create your database. To choose which capabilities to load for your Pro database, [create it with custom settings]({{< relref "/operate/rc/databases/create-database/create-pro-database-new" >}}) and select **More options** when adding your database in the **Sizing tab** to view advanced capability settings.
 
+### Version management for Pro
+
+- **Minor version auto-upgrades**: Enabled by default for Redis 8+ but can be disabled, occur during maintenance windows
+- **Major version upgrades**: Customer controlled, never automatic
+- **Manual control**: You can upgrade to any available version at any time
+- **Forced upgrades**: If auto-upgrades disabled and version reaches EOL, automatic upgrade during maintenance windows
+
+For more information about Redis Cloud version management, see [Redis version management]({{< relref "/operate/rc/databases/version-management" >}}).
+
 {{<image filename="images/rc/database-details-redis-module-select-flexible.png" alt="For Pro databases, you can select the capabilities included in your database." width="75%">}}
 
 You can select more than one advanced capability for a database, though there are limits:

content/operate/rc/databases/upgrade-version.md

@@ -14,7 +14,11 @@ Database version upgrade options depend on your plan type.
 
 ## Redis Cloud Essentials
 
-All new Redis Cloud Essentials databases are on the latest available version of Redis. Redis will notify Redis Cloud Essentials users when a new database version is available. 
+All new Redis Cloud Essentials databases are on the latest available version of Redis.
+
+For Redis 8+, minor version auto-upgrades are always enabled and occur automatically during maintenance windows when new versions become available. Major version upgrades require customer action.
+
+For Redis 7 and earlier versions, Redis will notify users when new database versions are available, but upgrades must be done manually.
 
 ## Redis Cloud Pro
 

content/operate/rc/databases/version-management.md

@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+---
+Title: Redis version management
+alwaysopen: false
+categories:
+- docs
+- operate
+- rc
+description: Describes Redis Cloud version management policy, supported versions, and upgrade options.
+linkTitle: Version management
+weight: 36
+tocEmbedHeaders: true
+---
+
+Redis Cloud provides comprehensive version management that balances automatic updates for security and performance with customer control over major changes.
+
+## Redis versioning and upgrade policy
+
+### Version structure
+
+Redis uses a **MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH** versioning scheme:
+
+- **Major versions**: Significant changes that may include breaking changes (e.g., Redis 7 → Redis 8)
+- **Minor versions**: New features and improvements within a major version (e.g., 8.2 → 8.4 → 8.6)
+- **Patch versions**: Bug fixes and security updates (e.g., 8.2.1 → 8.2.2)
+
+### Upgrade policies
+
+#### Minor version upgrades (8.2 → 8.4 → 8.6) {#minor-upgrades}
+
+Starting with Redis 8.2 (October 2025):
+
+- **Automatic upgrades**: Redis Cloud automatically upgrades to new minor versions when available
+- **Maintenance windows**: All upgrades occur during your subscription's configured maintenance windows
+- **Customer control**: Pro users can opt out of automatic minor upgrades
+- **Forced upgrades**: If auto-upgrade is disabled and a version reaches EOL, Redis Cloud will force upgrade during maintenance windows
+
+#### Major version upgrades (7.4 → 8.2) {#major-upgrades}
+
+- **Customer control**: Always require explicit customer action
+- **No automatic upgrades**: Redis Cloud never automatically upgrades major versions
+- **Customer timing**: You choose when to upgrade to a new major version
+
+## Version support models
+
+Redis Cloud uses two version support models:
+
+### LTS (Long-Term Support)
+
+LTS versions are the final minor release of each major version and receive **5 years of extended support**. These versions are ideal for:
+
+- Production environments requiring stability
+- Applications with infrequent upgrade cycles
+- Enterprise deployments with strict change management
+
+**Current LTS versions**: Redis 6.2, 7.2, 7.4
+
+### STS (Short-Term Support)
+
+STS versions include all minor releases except the final one in each major version. These versions:
+
+- Receive support for **6 months** after the next minor release
+- Provide access to the latest features and improvements
+- Are automatically upgraded when they reach end-of-life
+
+**Current STS versions**: Redis 8.0, 8.2
+
+### End-of-life (EOL)
+
+When a version reaches EOL:
+
+- Technical support is no longer provided
+- Security updates are not available
+- Databases with auto-upgrades disabled are automatically upgraded to the next supported version during maintenance windows
+
+## How version selection works
+
+### For new databases
+
+When creating a database, you select the version (e.g., Redis 8.2). Redis Cloud automatically provides the latest patch version within that version.
+
+### For existing databases
+
+- **Redis 8+**: Minor version auto-upgrades are available (with opt-out for Pro users)
+- **Redis 7 and earlier**: Auto-upgrade for minor versions is not supported; all upgrades must be done manually
+
+### Plan differences
+
+| Feature | Essentials | Pro |
+|---------|------------|-----|
+| Minor version auto-upgrades (Redis 8+) | Always enabled, upgrades to latest minor version | Default enabled, can disable |
+| Major version upgrades | Customer controlled | Customer controlled |
+| Manual upgrades | No | Yes |
+| Maintenance window | Standard | Configurable |
+
+## Supported versions
+
+{{< note >}}
+**We strongly recommend using the latest available version** to benefit from the newest features, performance improvements, and security updates.
+{{< /note >}}
+
+| Version | Type | Status | EOL Date | Plans |
+|---------|------|--------|----------|-------|
+| **Redis 8.2** | STS | GA | TBD | Essentials, Pro |
+| **Redis 8.0** | STS | *Preview | May 1, 2026 | Essentials |
+| **Redis 7.4** | LTS | GA | Apr 30, 2028 | Essentials, Pro |
+| **Redis 7.2** | STS | *GA | Oct 30, 2027 | Essentials, Pro |
+| **Redis 6.2** | LTS | GA | 2026 | Pro |
+
+*Redis 8.0 is not available for new databases.
+
+## Manual upgrades
+
+### Before upgrading
+
+- Review the [breaking changes]({{< relref "/operate/rc/changelog/version-release-notes" >}}) for your target version to ensure compatibility with your applications.
+- [Back up your data]({{< relref "/operate/rc/databases/back-up-data" >}}), review [breaking changes]({{< relref "/operate/rc/changelog/version-release-notes" >}}), and plan for off-peak hours.
+
+Redis Cloud Pro users can upgrade their databases at any time:
+
+1. Select your database: **More actions** > **Version upgrade**
+2. Choose target version: **Upgrade**
+
+For information about minor version auto-upgrades and configuration options, see [Database configuration]({{< relref "/operate/rc/databases/view-edit-database" >}}).
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Can I prevent minor version auto-upgrades?**
+Pro users can opt out of minor version auto-upgrades for Redis 8+. If disabled and a version reaches EOL, Redis Cloud will force upgrade during maintenance windows. Major upgrades always require your action.
+
+**What if I don't upgrade before EOL?**
+Redis Cloud will force upgrade after notifications to ensure security and support.
+
+**Can I downgrade?**
+No automatic downgrades. Restore from backup if needed.
+
+**How do I identify LTS vs STS?**
+Check the [supported versions table](#supported-versions).