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 +27,28 @@ 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
+
+- **Auto-upgrades**: Minor version auto-upgrades are enabled by default and cannot be disabled
+- **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
+
+- **Auto-upgrades**: Minor version auto-upgrades are enabled by default but can be disabled
+- **Manual control**: You can upgrade to any available version at any time
+- **Maintenance windows**: Automatic upgrades occur during your defined maintenance window
+
+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/version-management.md

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+---
+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 balances customer control with automated maintenance to ensure your databases run secure, stable, and performant Redis versions.
+
+{{< note >}}
+**We strongly recommend using the latest available version** to benefit from the newest features, performance improvements, and security updates.
+{{< /note >}}
+
+## Supported versions
+
+| 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** | LTS | *GA | Oct 30, 2027 | Essentials, Pro |
+| **Redis 6.2** | LTS | GA | 2026 | Pro |
+
+**EOL (End of life)**: Databases on EOL versions are not supported. If auto-upgrades are enabled, Redis Cloud will automatically upgrade your database to the following version.
+**LTS (Long-Term Support)**: Final minor release of a major version with 5-year extended support.
+**STS (Short-Term Support)**: All other minor releases, supported for 6 months after the next minor release.
+*Redis 8.0  is not available for new databases.
+
+## New version policy (Redis 8.2+)
+
+Starting October 2025:
+
+- **You select**: Major version only (e.g., Redis 8)
+- **We manage**: Minor versions automatically within your selected major version
+- **You control**: Opt out of auto-upgrades if preferred; major upgrades always require your action
+
+## How it works
+
+### Version selection
+
+**New databases**: Select major version only (Redis 6, 7, or 8). You get the latest minor automatically.
+
+**Minor upgrades**:
+- **Redis 8+**: Auto-upgrade enabled by default (can opt out for Pro)
+- **Redis 7 and earlier**: Manual upgrades only
+
+### Plan differences
+
+| Feature | Essentials | Pro |
+|---------|------------|-----|
+| Auto minor upgrades | Always on | Default on, can disable |
+| Manual upgrades | No | Yes |
+| Maintenance window | Standard | Configurable |
+
+{{< note >}}
+If you opt out of auto-upgrades and reach EOL, Redis Cloud will force upgrade after notifications.
+{{< /note >}}
+
+## Upgrading databases
+
+### Manual upgrades (Pro)
+
+1. Select your database: **More actions** > **Version upgrade**
+2. Choose target version: **Upgrade**
+
+{{< note >}}
+Before upgrading: [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.
+{{< /note >}}
+
+### Auto-upgrade settings (Pro)
+
+**Enable/disable**: **Database details** > **Configuration** > **General** > **Auto-upgrade minor versions**
+
+**Maintenance windows**: **Subscription details** > **Maintenance** > **Set preferred window**
+
+## Compatibility
+
+Redis follows [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/): **MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH**
+
+Redis Cloud guarantees:
+- No breaking changes in minor releases
+- No performance regressions in minor releases
+- Backwards compatibility within major versions
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Can I prevent auto-upgrades?**
+Pro users can opt out of minor auto-upgrades for Redis 8+. 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) or database creation interface.