Rails 8 Guide: Features, Requirements and Upgrade Path (2026)

Rails 8.0, released November 7 2024, requires Ruby 3.2.0+ and introduces a built-in authentication generator that scaffolds a complete session-based system, replacing the need for external gems like Devise. It also swaps Redis for three database-backed adapters—Solid Queue, Solid Cache, and Solid Cable—providing default job queuing, disk-based caching, and Action Cable messaging. Rails 8.1 (October 2025) adds further features, while Rails 8.0 receives security fixes only until November 2026.