Important Update: Calendar Versioning & Cypher 25

Calendar Versioning
Starting in January 2025, Neo4j is adopting a calendar-based versioning format (e.g., 2025.01), replacing traditional semantic versioning after the release of version 5 LTS. As an Aura customer, you’re already automatically on the latest version, and will now see the latest Calendar version in your database details.  No action is required as a result of this message.
There is no change for customers using version 4; however, we advise migrating to the latest version to take advantage of great new features, such as Parallel Runtime for 10x faster query performance, Block Format, Differential Backups, and more.
Cypher 5 and Cypher 25: More Choice, Same Simplicity
When an Aura instance is upgraded to the latest version, Cypher Language Version 5, the Cypher Language in Neo4j 5.x, remains the default.  When Cypher Version 25 is released this year, it will be available in all database instances on the latest release. All Aura customers on latest Calendar Version will be able to optionally:
Choose between Cypher 5 or Cypher 25 for queries, regardless of the database version.
Explore new Cypher features without altering your existing applications.
Change the default version of Cypher for the database.
The Cypher API compatibility layer ensures seamless transitions and lets you adopt new capabilities at your pace.
These enhancements will roll out soon, keeping Aura at the forefront of graph database technology.
Thank you
The Neo4j Team
FAQ
What is calendar-based versioning, and why is it being introduced?
Calendar-based versioning replaces traditional semantic versioning. Future Neo4j releases will follow the format of YYYY.MM.Patch (e.g., 2025.01.00). This approach simplifies how Aura handles Fully Managed upgrades, ensuring frequent access to new features, and eliminating the need for disruptive major version migrations.  More details on why calendar-based versioning is being introduced are provided in the blog post, Neo4j Takes the Lead: Transforming Graph Database Management With Cypher API Versioning and Database Calendar Versioning.
Are there any changes to how upgrades work?
No. Aura does not have any scheduled maintenance windows. It is designed to be always on and available, with all corrections, fixes, and upgrades automatically applied in the background.
Releases for the Neo4j database are also deployed when they become available. Operations are non-disruptive, and you shouldn’t experience any downtime as a result.
Will this change impact me as an Aura API user?
The Aura API will continue to accept version 5 requests. Requests using version 5 will create instances with the Latest Calendar Version.
What about deprecation of features?
Neo4j has a customer-focused deprecation policy: Features will only be deprecated if an alternative is available. Deprecated features remain supported with at least 12 months’ notice before removal.
How will the Cypher API compatibility layer help?
The compatibility layer allows you to specify the default Cypher version for your database or individual queries. This ensures that adopting new Cypher versions like 25 can happen gradually, without disrupting existing applications or workflows.
Do I need to migrate my queries from Cypher 5 to Cypher 25?
Eventually, but Cypher 5 will be supported unchanged (apart from resolving defects and security issues) for several years. We are committed to at least a year's notice before any withdrawal of a Cypher version. Cypher 25 starts as a copy of Cypher 5, with some deprecated features removed. It will then get additive features in the coming years.