IBM i Versions and Release History
IBM i 7.6 is the newest major release in a line that began with OS/400 in 1988. Use the version timeline, current support state, and valid source releases to plan the next upgrade.
IBM i 7.6 is the newest major release in an operating-system line that started with OS/400 in 1988. The name changed twice, but the upgrade decision still starts with the same facts: your installed release, its PTF levels, the server model, and every application that must keep working.
IBM i Version Names from OS/400 to Today
| Operating-system name | Key releases | Platform era |
|---|---|---|
| OS/400 | V1R1 through V5R2 | AS400 and early iSeries |
| i5/OS | V5R3 and V5R4 | iSeries and System i |
| IBM i | 6.1 through 7.6 | System i and IBM Power |
IBM introduced the IBM i name with version 6.1 in 2008. The operating system and hardware stopped sharing one brand name, which is why a current environment can still be called AS400 while running IBM i on an IBM Power server.
IBM i Release Timeline
| Release | General availability | Support state on October 12, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| IBM i 6.1 | 2008 | Ended |
| IBM i 7.1 | 2010 | Ended |
| IBM i 7.2 | May 2, 2014 | Extended Service Extension ended April 30, 2026 |
| IBM i 7.3 | April 15, 2016 | Extended Service Extension through September 30, 2028 |
| IBM i 7.4 | June 21, 2019 | Service Extension through September 30, 2029 |
| IBM i 7.5 | May 10, 2022 | Standard support |
| IBM i 7.6 | April 18, 2025 | Standard support |
These dates describe the IBM i operating system. Licensed programs and application vendors can have different support terms. Confirm the current IBM dates on the official IBM i release life cycle page before making a contract or upgrade decision.
Which IBM i Versions Can Upgrade to 7.5 or 7.6?
| Installed release | Valid next major target | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| IBM i 7.5 | IBM i 7.6 | Check required PTFs, licensed programs, and hardware support |
| IBM i 7.4 | IBM i 7.5 or 7.6 | Both are valid direct targets when all requirements are met |
| IBM i 7.3 | IBM i 7.4 or 7.5 | Move through 7.4 or 7.5 before a later upgrade to 7.6 |
| IBM i 7.2 or earlier | An intermediate release first | The project may also require a server change and application remediation |
A valid release sequence does not guarantee that the current server can run the target version. IBM's migration and upgrades center links the current checklists, required PTFs, and pre-upgrade tools.
IBM i Release, Technology Refresh, and PTF Level
The major release is only one layer of the installed software state. A Technology Refresh delivers hardware support or new function within that release. PTF groups deliver grouped fixes and updates.
Use DSPSFWRSC or GO LICPGM option 10 to check the installed release. Use WRKPTFGRP to review PTF group levels. Then compare those results with IBM's current requirements for the target release and server.
Build the IBM i Upgrade Plan Around What Must Keep Working
Start with the installed IBM i release and server machine type. Then list the licensed programs, vendor applications, custom code, devices, interfaces, and recovery requirements that must survive the change.
Use AS400 OS when you need to identify the operating system. Use IBM i Support Status for the support decision. Use AS400 Support when the next question is who should own the work.