Python 3.14 release candidate released: More performance and improved concurrency

Last month, Python 3.14.0rc1, the first release candidate for the upcoming Python version, was released. The final release is scheduled for October 7, 2025. With this step, development of the new version is nearing completion, with developers now mainly working on the final documentation. ABI compatibility is stable, so released packages will be compatible with the final release.

The most important new feature in Python 3.14 is the introduction of “free-threaded Python.” This removes the long-standing Global Interpreter Lock (GIL), enabling true parallel execution of CPU-intensive threads on multiple cores. This improves performance, especially for data science applications and web servers that rely heavily on concurrency. Existing single-threaded code continues to run unchanged.

In addition, Python 3.14 offers improved error messages, new debugging support tools, and enhancements to the command line options for asyncio. Experimental just-in-time compilers (JIT) are also included in the official macOS and Windows versions. A new installation manager is available for Windows via the Microsoft Store.

Parallel to the Python release, updates to important libraries and tools such as PyPy 7.3.20, scikit-learn 1.7, NumPy 2.3.2, and the uv package manager were also released. These bring performance improvements, extend compatibility with Python 3.14, and add new features. The Textual text interface framework has also been comprehensively revamped with version 5.0. Django released bug fix release 5.2.4, which corrects several bugs and closes security gaps.

The Python community recently celebrated several milestones: EuroPython 2025 took place in Prague from July 14 to 20 with over 1,300 participants, and Django turned 20 years old. At the same time, the nomination phase for the Python Software Foundation Board 2025 is currently underway. In addition, the PyLadiesCon 2025 nomination phase is coming to an end.

Overall, the Python world continues to be vibrant and innovative, with numerous developments in its core, ecosystem, and community. The next and final version of Python 3.14 RC is expected in August, followed by the final launch in October.