5 Docker Engine versions to watch in 2026

Docker Engine support now centers on a few active release lines.

If you need to check whether your Docker Engine install is still supported, this list gives you the five release lines that matter most. As of 19 May 2026, endoflife.date shows 29 and 28 as supported, while 27 is already out of support.

1. Docker Engine 29

Docker Engine 29 is the newest supported major line on the page, with a latest release of 29.5.2 dated 20 May 2026. If you want the freshest supported track, this is the one to monitor first.

The page lists security support as active, which makes 29 the clearest choice for teams that want to stay on the current branch without jumping to an older maintenance line.

• Released: 10 Nov 2025
• Latest: 29.5.2
• Security support: Yes
• Best for: teams standardizing on the latest supported branch

2. Docker Engine 28

Docker Engine 28 is also supported, with latest version 28.5.2 and release date 05 Nov 2025. It is a good fit if you want a current line but prefer to stay one step behind the newest major series.

That makes 28 a practical upgrade target for organizations that want active support while avoiding the first wave of change on the newest branch.

• Released: 20 Feb 2025
• Latest: 28.5.2
• Security support: Yes
• Best for: cautious teams that still want active maintenance

3. Docker Engine 27

Docker Engine 27 is no longer supported. endoflife.date shows security support ended on 03 May 2025, even though the latest point release was 27.5.1. If you are still on 27, this is a clear upgrade signal.

Because the line is ended, it should be treated as a migration source, not a target. Use it to identify what needs to move, then plan a jump to 28 or 29.

• Released: 25 Jun 2024
• Latest: 27.5.1
• Security support: Ended
• Best for: upgrade planning, not new deployments

4. Docker Engine 25.0

Docker Engine 25.0 is still supported and has a latest release of 25.0.16, dated 13 May 2026. It is older than 28 and 29, but it remains a valid supported line for teams that have not moved yet.

This branch can be useful when a fleet is tied to specific operational constraints and needs a supported release without immediately adopting the newest major line.

• Released: 19 Jan 2024
• Latest: 25.0.16
• Security support: Yes
• Best for: slower-moving environments that still need support

5. Docker Engine 24.0

Docker Engine 24.0 is ended, with security support stopping on 08 Jun 2024. Its latest point release was 24.0.9, and it now belongs in the same bucket as other retired lines.

If your infrastructure still references 24.0, the main task is to replace it before compliance or audit work turns into an emergency. Use it as a marker for technical debt.

• Released: 16 May 2023
• Latest: 24.0.9
• Security support: Ended
• Best for: inventory cleanup and retirement tracking

How to decide

If you want the simplest answer, pick 29 for the newest supported path, 28 for a slightly more conservative supported path, and 25.0 if your environment needs more time before a major move. Anything marked ended, including 27 and 24.0, should be scheduled for replacement.

For a quick check on a live host, the page also points to the Docker command docker version --format '{{.Server.Version}}', which helps you confirm the installed server version before you compare it against the support table.