Oracle has officially announced the release of Java 24 (JDK 24), the latest iteration of the world’s most widely used programming language and development platforms. This release introduces 24 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPS) that focus on improving developer productivity, AI capabilities, post-mass encryption, performance, stability and security.
What’s new in Java 24?
Java 24 introduces important updates across language features, security, performance, and AI integration. Some of the most notable additions include:
Pattern and Switch Primitive Types (JEP 488 – Second Preview): Extends pattern matching and switch formulas to support primitive data types and improve the efficiency of AI-based applications. Flexible constructor body (JEP 492- Third Preview): Introduces prologue and epilogue phases to simplify object initialization and make Java code more reliable. Module Import Declaration (JEP 494 – Second Preview): Developers can easily import all packages from modules, streamlining modular programming. Simple Source Files and Instance Main Methods (JEP 495 – 4th Preview): Provides a beginner’s way to write Java programs without the need for complicated setups. Vector API (JEP 489 – 9th Incubator): Enhances vector calculations for AI and data-intensive applications, greatly improving the performance of AI inference and analysis. Stream Gatherers (JEP 485): Shows new ways to process data streams, benefiting data science and AI-driven applications. Key Derived Function API (JEP 478-Preview): Enhances encryption security for data protection in transit. Quantum Resistant Cryptography (JEPS 496, 497): Implement post-quarter security measures to protect sensitive data using modular lattice-based key encapsulation mechanisms (ML-KEM) and digital signature algorithms (ML-DSA). Load Precedent Classes (JEP 483): Speeds up Java application startup times by preloading commonly used classes. Compact Object Header (JEP 450 – Experiment): Reduce object header size and improve memory efficiency and application performance. Generational Shenandoah GC (JEP 404 -Experimental): Improves garbage collection and optimizes resource management in high-load enterprise applications.
Why is it important?
As Java is approaching its 30th anniversary, this latest release reaffirms Oracle’s commitment to innovation, security and developer productivity.
“For the past 30 years, Java has provided developers with a comprehensive platform for building and deploying applications across a diverse range of industries,” says Georges Saab, senior vice president of Oracle Java Platform. “Java 24 brings over 20 new features, including AI support and post-Quantum encryption, making it easy for developers to create AI-powered, secure, scalable applications.”
Adopting enterprises in the cloud and Java
Java 24 is optimized for deployment of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), one of the first hyperscale clouds to support this release. Oracle offers Java SE, Oracle Graalvm, and Java SE Subscription Enterprise Performance Packs at no additional cost, ensuring that your business can run Java applications faster and more securely.
What’s next?
The Javaone 2025 Conference serves as a platform for developers and businesses to unlock the full potential of Java 24’s AI and encryption capabilities. With a six-month release cycle, Oracle continues to strengthen Java to meet the evolving needs of the developer community.
Java remains the biggest choice for enterprise applications, and with Java 24, developers have more tools to create secure, high-performance, and AI-powered applications at scale.
