PortalMine owner documentation. Test important changes on a copy and keep a verified backup.
Key change: releases in 2026 begin with 26 for both Java and Bedrock, but the remaining numbers and release cadence still differ by edition.
How the year-based system works
Mojang announced that Minecraft releases starting in 2026 use the year as the first number. Java and Bedrock share the 26 prefix, while their following release and patch numbers can differ. Java snapshot names also identify the intended release more directly.
Do not treat matching prefixes as compatibility
A Java 26.x client is not compatible with a Bedrock 26.x server merely because the year matches. Edition, exact release, protocol, server implementation, mod loader, plugins, mods, and packs still determine compatibility.
What server platforms should update
- Remove validation rules that only accept
1.xversions. - Store version values as strings rather than decimal numbers.
- Do not sort
26.10as if it were smaller than26.2. - Label edition and release channel next to the version.
- Update download parsers, compatibility tables, and support macros.
A clearer label format
| Weak label | Better label |
|---|---|
| 26.2 | Java stable 26.2 |
| 26.40.30 | Bedrock Preview 26.40.30 |
| Snapshot 5 | Java 26.3 Snapshot 5 |
This format reduces support mistakes and prevents a user from selecting a build based only on the first number.
Primary sources
PortalMine summarizes the operational impact for server owners. Version-specific facts are checked against the original publisher.