Java keeps evolving! Java 26 is out. The release brings many features aimed at optimizing Java applications and drops support for applets. We cover all of this and more below. Currently, Java ships a new version every six months. The last release was Java 25 in September 2025, so March 2026 meant it was time for Java 26. Java 25 was an LTS release; this version, however, isn't designed for long-term support. The new version didn't add as many features as the previous one, but it brought important changes to the language. After all, it's not about quantity :) So, what's new in Java 26? JEP 500 Prepare to Make Final Mean Final The JEP link. A curious name. What does it mean, though? Here's some background info. Starting with JDK 5, we can use reflection to change the value of final fields ( java.lang.reflect#setAccessible and java.lang.reflect#set ). Handy for those who need it (but how often do you modify final fields?).…