In preparation for the upcoming release of Apache Kafka 4.0, we’d like to inform you that in this version, the Apache Kafka community will be removing compatibility for old client API request versions. Moving forward, users must generally be using Apache Kafka 2.1.0 clients or newer or a non-Java client with equivalent API versions. Apache Kafka 3.7 (released February 2024) has already marked these legacy API versions as deprecated. Please see KIP-896 for details on the client versions that will be deprecated.
For Confluent Cloud customers
We recognize identifying and updating these clients may take some time, so to support this transition, we are providing one year of extended compatibility for all current Confluent Cloud organizations. We will also provide updates within the Confluent Cloud console and Metrics API to make it easier in identifying the deprecated clients. Keep an eye out for those changes when they are made available.
For Confluent Platform customers
Confluent Platform 8.0, to be tentatively released in May 2025, will remove compatibility for these legacy clients. You are welcome to use the full extent of your support plan to remain on supported Confluent Platform versions until you are ready to upgrade to Confluent Platform 8.0.
We have updated our documentation to help you:
- Identify clients that are using deprecated versions
- Navigate how to update clients to compliant and stable client versions
Your account team, as well as our Professional Services team, are committed to supporting your transition to compliant, stable, and performant clients.
In the meantime, please refer to the documentation for both Confluent Cloud and Confluent Platform regarding this change. For any questions or clarifications, please contact your account team.