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FME’s New Quarterly Release Model

FME Just Got a Makeover:

Why the New Release Model Is Going to Make Your Life So Much Easier

Article written by Adrian Porter, FME Lead and Expert

What's Changing in 2026?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had at least one moment in your FME  life when you have eagerly awaited a new release of FME and been unsure when it will drop. Whilst frustrating when your excited to explore new functionality or get a fix, if you are planning an upgrade, sometimes across multiple environments and organisations, this can be a serious headache.

Well, good news: Safe Software has taken on board collective feedback and they’re rolling out a cleaner and more predictable release model, starting March 2026.

Quarterly Releases Are the New Rhythm of Life

Safe Software are moving to a consistent quarterly cadence.
Here’s the new schedule:

  • .1: March
  • .2: June
  • .3: September
  • .4: December

Instead of waiting to bundle everything into one large launch, FME will now release new features as soon as they’re ready with a point release containing new functionality and minor releases being limited to fixes and security updates.

Why This Change Matters 

You might think version numbering is a boring topic, but this change is all about making your job, and ours, smoother:

  1. Clarity & Simplicity
    Knowing when a release came out is now as easy as reading the label. No interpretive dance required.
  2. Predictable Planning
    With fixed quarterly cycles, you can plan your testing and upgrades like clockwork. Your project schedules (and your stress levels) will thank you.
  3. Faster Time to Value
    Instead of waiting ages for a major release, you’ll get new features and improvements steadily throughout the year.
  4. Consistent Quality
    Every release meets the same QA standards.
  5. Easier Adoption
    A predictable rhythm means you’ll stay more current with fewer hiccups. 
  6. No more .0
    The version .0 has now been deprecated; there has always been this slight unwritten rule of avoiding the .0 release, lots of change so lest wait for .1. Now with this spread out release this is less of a concern.

What’s Next?

The first release using this new system will be FME 2026.1, landing in March 2026. After that, expect releases packed with new features and updates landing in your inbox every quarter. On schedule and ready to deploy.

Final Thoughts: A Small Change with Big Impact 

This shift might seem like a simple housekeeping update, but it’s a foundation for a more modern, continuous‑delivery FME ecosystem.
If you want to dive deeper or join the community discussion, check out the full release update on the Safe Software Community. It’s clear, well‑explained, and marks the start of a more predictable future for all things FME. Email your FME partners at 1Spatial if you have more questions on what this change means for you and your business. 

Adrian Porter, FME Expert and Lead, 1Spatial

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