Kubernetes Version Support Across Major Cloud Providers

This blog post will dive into the Kubernetes version support policies of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, focusing on the availability of Alpha features, the duration of version support, and offer practical guidance on how to stay ahead of the curve.

For organizations running critical workloads, the decision of when and how to upgrade Kubernetes is not just about accessing new features; it’s about ensuring that their infrastructure remains secure, stable, and future-proof. This is where understanding Kubernetes version support becomes essential. Whether you’re running your clusters on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, knowing how these platforms handle versioning—particularly in terms of Alpha features and support duration—can significantly impact your operations.

How to Check Kubernetes Version

Kubernetes follows a standard versioning scheme: vX.Y.Z. Here’s what each part represents:

X (Major): Increases with incompatible changes.
Y (Minor): Increases with backward-compatible feature introductions and enhancements.
Z (Patch): Increases with bug fixes and minor changes.

Kubernetes releases a major version less frequently, a new minor version every three to four months. Each minor version is supported for approximately one year, after which it reaches End of Life (EOL). While patch versions are released as needed, typically every few weeks. They ensure the stability and security of the current minor release.

There are three major designations used to indicate the stability and maturity of releases and features, which are;

Stable: These are the main, production-ready releases. Example: v1.30.0
Alpha: Early, experimental versions of upcoming releases. Example: v1.30.0-alpha.1
Beta: More stable than alpha, but still not production-ready. Example: v1.30.0-beta.0

Understanding these designations is crucial for making informed decisions about which versions to use in different environments and for what purposes.

Alpha feature is an early-stage feature in development that is still in the experimental phase. These features are typically incomplete, limited or no support, may be unstable, and are subject to change based on feedback and further development. They are often included in software releases to allow developers and early adopters to test them and provide feedback. Note that alpha features are often disabled by default. Users can enable them by modifying the appropriate configuration flags or settings. Also, as alpha features evolve, they may move to beta and then to stable in subsequent minor releases. Sometimes, based on feedback and testing, they might also be deprecated or removed if they don't meet expectations.

Importance of Kubernetes Version Support

Kubernetes version support is critical for maintaining a secure, stable, and feature-rich container orchestration environment. Each new release introduces important updates, including security patches, performance improvements, and new features that enhance the platform's capabilities. However, these versions have a limited support window, typically around one year, meaning older versions may no longer receive updates or fixes.

Ensuring your Kubernetes clusters are running supported versions minimizes the risk of security vulnerabilities, avoids compatibility issues with newer tools, and ensures access to the latest innovations. Keeping up with Kubernetes version updates is essential for maintaining a resilient and future-proof infrastructure. However, not all cloud providers follow the same policies for version support, especially concerning Alpha features—experimental features that are not guaranteed to be stable.

Kubernetes Version Support on AWS (Amazon EKS)

AWS EKS Version Support:

AWS EKS supports three stable Kubernetes versions at any given time. When a new minor version is released which is supported for the first 14 months, the oldest supported version is deprecated, typically giving users a 90-day window to upgrade. Once a version is past the end of standard support date, it enters extended support for the next 12 months. Extended support allows you to stay at a specific Kubernetes version for longer at an additional cost per cluster hour. If you haven’t updated your cluster before the extended support period ends, your cluster is auto-upgraded to the oldest currently supported extended version.
Alpha features are not enabled by default in EKS, emphasizing stability over experimental features.

Version Lifecycle Example:

If AWS EKS supports Kubernetes versions 1.28, 1.29, and 1.30, version 1.28 would be deprecated once version 1.31 is introduced. Users must upgrade to a supported version to maintain security patches and support.

Practical Example:

A production EKS cluster running version 1.28 will need to be upgraded to 1.29 or higher within the 90-day deprecation period to avoid EOL risks.

Kubernetes Version Support on Microsoft Azure (AKS)

Azure AKS Version Support:

Azure AKS supports three to four minor versions of Kubernetes. When a new version is released, the oldest supported version is deprecated with a 30-day upgrade notice.
Alpha features are disabled by default in AKS, prioritizing stability and enterprise readiness.

Version Lifecycle Example:

With AKS supporting versions 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, and 1.30, the release of version 1.31 will trigger the deprecation of version 1.27. Users must upgrade within the 30-day window.

Practical Example:

A development team using AKS version 1.26 for testing will need to upgrade their environment to a newer version within the specified period to maintain compatibility and support.

Kubernetes Version Support on Google Cloud (GKE)

Google GKE Version Support:

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) supports up to three minor versions of Kubernetes simultaneously, with a focus on both stability and innovation.
Unlike AWS and Azure, GKE provides options to enable Alpha features on specific clusters, although these features are not recommended for production use, not covered by GKE SLA, and can not be upgraded and automatically deleted after 30 days.

Version Lifecycle Example:

If GKE supports versions 1.28, 1.29, and 1.30. Upon the release of 1.31, the support for 1.28 will be phased out with a 30-day upgrade window.

Practical Example:

A GKE user testing new Alpha features might run a non-production cluster with Alpha features enabled on version 1.30, while their production clusters stay on the stable version 1.29.

Comparing Alpha Features Across Cloud Providers

AWS EKS: No support for Alpha features in production environments, ensuring stability.
Azure AKS: No support for Alpha features, aligning with enterprise-focused offerings.
Google GKE: Allows the use of Alpha features in non-production environments, giving users a chance to experiment with cutting-edge technology.

Best Practices for Managing Kubernetes Version Upgrades

Plan Regular Upgrades: Schedule regular upgrades within your organization to avoid falling behind on supported versions.
Use Canary Deployments: Before upgrading production clusters, test new versions on canary or non-production environments.
Automate Upgrade Processes: Utilize CI/CD pipelines to automate Kubernetes upgrades, reducing manual effort and minimizing downtime.

Understanding Kubernetes version support across major cloud providers is vital for maintaining a secure and efficient cloud infrastructure. By staying informed about the versioning policies of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and by implementing best practices for upgrades, you can ensure that your Kubernetes environments remain robust and up-to-date.

With PerfectScale, you’ll stay ahead in your Kubernetes journey by accessing practical guidance and optimizing your clusters for enhanced performance. Sign up today.

Understanding Kubernetes Version Support Across Major Cloud Providers

How to Check Kubernetes Version

Importance of Kubernetes Version Support