Question & Answer
Question
What are the differences between V7R5 and V7R6?
Cause
This page provides an overview and comparison of the release timing and key enhancements introduced in IBM i versions V7R5 and V7R6.
V7R5 was released on May 10, 2022, while V7R6 followed on April 18, 2025.
V7R6 introduces multi-factor authentication (MFA) directly into the operating system, offering a major security improvement at no additional cost.
This document does not explain all details about the differences between V7R5 an V7R6 but simply highlights a summary overview.
Answer
IBM i V7R5 versus V7R6 Comparison
Overview
Users are encouraged to consult the official Memo to Users and IBM’s Software and Hardware Planning guides:
Comparison Table
| Subject / Item | V7R5 | V7R6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | May-22 | Apr-25 |
| Key Enhancements | Base OS 40, DB2 Database, IBM i license programs, Open-Source solutions supported | Multi-factor authentication (MFA) integration, TOTP support, offline MFA, independent SST/DST implementation |
| Processor Support | Power9, Power10, Power11 | Power11, Power10 (MV380 minimum), no Power9 or earlier |
| Web Enablement | V8.5 and earlier not supported | V8.5 and earlier not supported |
| Java SE | Java SE 8 32bit (5770-JV1 option 16) and Java SE 8 64bit (5770-JV1 option 17) required. IM requires Java 8 SE 32bit. | WebSphere V9.0 only supported on Java SE 8 64-bit, WebSphere Liberty requires min. Java SE 8 |
| JDK | Supports JDK11 | Does not support JDK11 |
| IM Version | IM 1.9.3 or newer 1.9.x required | IM 1.10 and higher not supported due to JDK 11 unavailability |
| Kerberos | Default encryption types: aes256-cts-hmac-sha1-96, aes128-cts-hmac-sha1-96 | Default encryption types: aes256-cts-hmac-sha1-96, aes128-cts-hmac-sha1-96; removed: des-crc-sha1, des-cbcmac-sha1, des-cbc-crc |
| Disk Device Type | Supports D910 | Does not support D910 |
Additional Information
- V7R5: Required PTFs for upgrading can be found here.
- V7R6: Required PTFs for upgrading can be found here.
- V7R5 Software Information: Link
- V7R5 Hardware Information: Link
- V7R6 Software Information: Link
- V7R6 Hardware Information: Link
- IBM i 7.5 Processor Support: Not supported on IBM Power8 and earlier processor technology.
- IBM i 7.6 Processor Support: Supported on IBM Power11 technology-based processors and IBM Power10 with minimum firmware level FW1060.
- Web Enablement: V8.5 and earlier versions not supported on IBM i 7.5 and 7.6.
- Java SE Requirements:
- V7R5: Java SE 8 32 bit (5770-JV1 option 16) and Java SE 8 64 bit (5770-JV1 option 17) required.
- JV1 has added option 19 for Java 11 64-bit on IBM i 7.5.
- V7R6: WebSphere V9.0 only supported on Java SE 8 64 bit.
- Installation Manager (IM):
- V7R5: advice is to stay on IM 1.9.3. IM requires Java 8 SE 32bit.
- V7R6: IM 1.9.3 or newer 1.9.x version required. IM 1.10 and higher not supported due to JDK 11 requirement.
- Processor Support : Link
Related Information
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Document Information
Modified date:
30 January 2026
UID
ibm17258343