Oracle AI Database 26ai deprecated features marks a significant leap forward in Oracle’s journey toward truly intelligent data platforms. As the long-term support (LTS) release succeeding Oracle Database 23ai , it brings AI directly into the heart of data management — transforming how organizations store, analyze, and act on their data. Upgrading is seamless: simply apply the October 2025 Release Update (23.26.0) to move from Oracle Database 23ai to the latest Oracle AI Database 26ai features. No complex database upgrade or application re-certification is required — giving you immediate access to new AI-driven capabilities while staying ready for future enhancements as they roll out. Oracle 26ai represents a major milestone in Oracle’s “AI for Data” vision. It redefines the database as not just a data repository but as an AI-native platform — embedding intelligence across every layer of the ecosystem: - AI Vector Search for high-speed semantic and similarity queries. AI Vector Search for high-speed semantic and similarity queries. - AI-driven database management for smarter performance tuning and automation. AI-driven database management for smarter performance tuning and automation. - Integrated AI in analytics and app development for faster insight generation and innovation. Integrated AI in analytics and app development for faster insight generation and innovation. AI Vector Search for high-speed semantic and similarity queries. AI-driven database management for smarter performance tuning and automation.

Integrated AI in analytics and app development for faster insight generation and innovation. By uniting AI and data at the core , Oracle simplifies AI adoption, making powerful capabilities accessible to every developer and data professional. Oracle AI Database 26ai is designed with flexibility at its foundation. It supports a wide range of modern AI technologies and standards, including: - Apache Iceberg Open Table Format for open data lakehouse interoperability. Apache Iceberg Open Table Format for open data lakehouse interoperability. - MCP (Model Context Protocol) to connect AI models and intelligent agents with enterprise data. MCP (Model Context Protocol) to connect AI models and intelligent agents with enterprise data. - LLMs (Large Language Models) and popular agentic AI frameworks for contextual, natural language, and autonomous workflows. LLMs (Large Language Models) and popular agentic AI frameworks for contextual, natural language, and autonomous workflows. - ONNX (Open Neural Network Exchange) embedding models for broad machine learning compatibility. ONNX (Open Neural Network Exchange) embedding models for broad machine learning compatibility. Apache Iceberg Open Table Format for open data lakehouse interoperability. MCP (Model Context Protocol) to connect AI models and intelligent agents with enterprise data.

LLMs (Large Language Models) and popular agentic AI frameworks for contextual, natural language, and autonomous workflows. ONNX (Open Neural Network Exchange) embedding models for broad machine learning compatibility. These integrations enable enterprises to build, train, and deploy AI-powered applications directly within the database , reducing data movement and enhancing governance. True to Oracle’s heritage, 26ai maintains mission-critical reliability, scalability, and security across all deployment models — whether in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) , other major hyperscalers, private clouds, or on-premises systems. The result is a unified, AI-enabled data platform that empowers organizations to: - Securely manage diverse data types at scale. Securely manage diverse data types at scale. - Unlock actionable intelligence from all their data sources. Unlock actionable intelligence from all their data sources. - Simplify AI integration while maintaining enterprise-grade performance and compliance. Simplify AI integration while maintaining enterprise-grade performance and compliance.

Securely manage diverse data types at scale. Unlock actionable intelligence from all their data sources. Simplify AI integration while maintaining enterprise-grade performance and compliance. With Oracle AI Database 26ai, Oracle has taken a decisive step toward AI-driven data transformation . By merging data management and artificial intelligence into a single, intelligent ecosystem, Oracle is helping organizations move from “AI for applications” to “AI for data” — where intelligence is built-in, not bolted-on.cxxz - Oracle Exadata Cloud - AWS Cloud - Azure Cloud - Google Cloud - OCI Exadata Database Service - OCI Base Database Service - Oracle Exadata (On-Premises Deployments) - Oracle Database Appliance (On-Premises Deployments) - Oracle Database 26ai Free (For Developers) - Always Free Autonomous Database (For Developers) - Autonomous Database 26ai Container Image (For Developers) - RCONFIG Utility The older RCONFIG command-line utility is no longer supported. Users are encouraged to use updated configuration management tools and scripts provided within the AI-native ecosystem. RCONFIG Utility The older RCONFIG command-line utility is no longer supported. Users are encouraged to use updated configuration management tools and scripts provided within the AI-native ecosystem. - MKSTORE Wallet Management Tool The legacy command-line tool for managing Oracle wallets is deprecated. Oracle recommends using modern wallet management interfaces and cloud-native security services. MKSTORE Wallet Management Tool The legacy command-line tool for managing Oracle wallets is deprecated. Oracle recommends using modern wallet management interfaces and cloud-native security services. - Persistent Memory (PMEM) Database Support Direct support for Oracle Persistent Memory (PMEM) databases has been phased out, in favor of AI-optimized storage and caching solutions. Persistent Memory (PMEM) Database Support Direct support for Oracle Persistent Memory (PMEM) databases has been phased out, in favor of AI-optimized storage and caching solutions. - Oracle Memory Speed (OMS) File System The OMS file system is no longer supported. Alternative high-performance storage solutions are recommended for modern workloads. Oracle Memory Speed (OMS) File System The OMS file system is no longer supported. Alternative high-performance storage solutions are recommended for modern workloads. - WAIT Option in Data Guard SWITCHOOVER The parameter of the Oracle Data Guard SWITCHOOVER command is deprecated. Users should now rely on enhanced Data Guard automation features for seamless role transitions. WAIT Option in Data Guard SWITCHOOVER The parameter of the Oracle Data Guard SWITCHOOVER command is deprecated. Users should now rely on enhanced Data Guard automation features for seamless role transitions. - SQLJ Embedded SQL in Java The SQLJ method of embedding SQL statements directly in Java applications is deprecated. Developers are encouraged to migrate to JDBC or modern Java data access frameworks. SQLJ Embedded SQL in Java The SQLJ method of embedding SQL statements directly in Java applications is deprecated. Developers are encouraged to migrate to JDBC or modern Java data access frameworks. - Cluster Health Advisor – AHF Scope The Autonomous Health Framework (AHF Scope) feature of Cluster Health Advisor (CHA) is no longer available. Oracle’s enhanced health monitoring and AI-driven diagnostics replace its functionality. Cluster Health Advisor – AHF Scope The Autonomous Health Framework (AHF Scope) feature of Cluster Health Advisor (CHA) is no longer available. Oracle’s enhanced health monitoring and AI-driven diagnostics replace its functionality. - Oracle RAC Cross-Instance Archival The cross-instance archival feature in Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) has been deprecated. Modern backup and replication tools provide more efficient and AI-enabled solutions. Oracle RAC Cross-Instance Archival The cross-instance archival feature in Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) has been deprecated. Modern backup and replication tools provide more efficient and AI-enabled solutions. - Zero Downtime Upgrade (ZDU) in Fleet Patching and Provisioning The ZDU feature of Oracle Fleet Patching and Provisioning (FPP) is deprecated. Oracle now recommends using fully automated upgrade paths that integrate with AI-native deployment workflows. Zero Downtime Upgrade (ZDU) in Fleet Patching and Provisioning The ZDU feature of Oracle Fleet Patching and Provisioning (FPP) is deprecated. Oracle now recommends using fully automated upgrade paths that integrate with AI-native deployment workflows. - Highly Available Grid Naming Service (GNS) in Grid Infrastructure The HA Grid Naming Service feature is deprecated. Cloud-first networking and naming services, along with Oracle’s AI-driven infrastructure management, are the recommended alternatives. Highly Available Grid Naming Service (GNS) in Grid Infrastructure The HA Grid Naming Service feature is deprecated. Cloud-first networking and naming services, along with Oracle’s AI-driven infrastructure management, are the recommended alternatives. - OPatch and OPatchAuto for Out-of-Place Patching The legacy and utilities for applying out-of-place patches are deprecated. Oracle now encourages using fully automated patching workflows integrated with AI-driven database management. OPatch and OPatchAuto for Out-of-Place Patching The legacy and utilities for applying out-of-place patches are deprecated. Oracle now encourages using fully automated patching workflows integrated with AI-driven database management. - Unstructured XML Indexes Support for unstructured XML indexes has been removed. Users should adopt newer indexing methods or structured XML handling features for better performance and scalability. Unstructured XML Indexes Support for unstructured XML indexes has been removed. Users should adopt newer indexing methods or structured XML handling features for better performance and scalability. - Oracle JDBC Methods in LOB Objects The methods , , and in , , and are deprecated. Modern JDBC APIs should be used for LOB handling in Java applications. Oracle JDBC Methods in LOB Objects The methods , , and in , , and are deprecated. Modern JDBC APIs should be used for LOB handling in Java applications. - PL/SQL Packages: DBMS_XMLGEN and DBMS_HANG_MANAGER These older PL/SQL packages are no longer supported. Alternative XML and diagnostic packages, along with AI-enabled monitoring tools, provide improved capabilities. PL/SQL Packages: DBMS_XMLGEN and DBMS_HANG_MANAGER These older PL/SQL packages are no longer supported. Alternative XML and diagnostic packages, along with AI-enabled monitoring tools, provide improved capabilities. - Oracle XML DB Repository The legacy XML DB Repository is deprecated. Oracle recommends moving to newer XML management features or cloud-based storage solutions. Oracle XML DB Repository The legacy XML DB Repository is deprecated. Oracle recommends moving to newer XML management features or cloud-based storage solutions. - Oracle Data Provider for .NET (ODP.NET) – Unmanaged Driver The unmanaged ODP.NET driver is deprecated. Developers should migrate to the managed ODP.NET driver for better performance, security, and compatibility with AI-native features. Oracle Data Provider for .NET (ODP.NET) – Unmanaged Driver The unmanaged ODP.NET driver is deprecated. Developers should migrate to the managed ODP.NET driver for better performance, security, and compatibility with AI-native features. - Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) Decryption Libraries – GOST and SEED Algorithms TDE decryption libraries for the GOST and SEED algorithms are no longer supported. Modern encryption standards such as AES are recommended for secure database encryption. Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) Decryption Libraries – GOST and SEED Algorithms TDE decryption libraries for the GOST and SEED algorithms are no longer supported. Modern encryption standards such as AES are recommended for secure database encryption. - BIG_IO Attribute of the CONTEXT Indextype The attribute is deprecated. Alternative indexing options provide improved search performance and better AI integration. BIG_IO Attribute of the CONTEXT Indextype The attribute is deprecated. Alternative indexing options provide improved search performance and better AI integration. - ASYNCHRONOUS_UPDATE Setting of the CONTEXT Indextype The setting is deprecated. Synchronous and AI-optimized indexing mechanisms are now recommended for managing content indexes efficiently. ASYNCHRONOUS_UPDATE Setting of the CONTEXT Indextype The setting is deprecated. Synchronous and AI-optimized indexing mechanisms are now recommended for managing content indexes efficiently.

RCONFIG Utility The older RCONFIG command-line utility is no longer supported. Users are encouraged to use updated configuration management tools and scripts provided within the AI-native ecosystem. MKSTORE Wallet Management Tool The legacy command-line tool for managing Oracle wallets is deprecated. Oracle recommends using modern wallet management interfaces and cloud-native security services. Persistent Memory (PMEM) Database Support Direct support for Oracle Persistent Memory (PMEM) databases has been phased out, in favor of AI-optimized storage and caching solutions. Oracle Memory Speed (OMS) File System The OMS file system is no longer supported. Alternative high-performance storage solutions are recommended for modern workloads. WAIT Option in Data Guard SWITCHOOVER The parameter of the Oracle Data Guard SWITCHOOVER command is deprecated. Users should now rely on enhanced Data Guard automation features for seamless role transitions. SQLJ Embedded SQL in Java The SQLJ method of embedding SQL statements directly in Java applications is deprecated. Developers are encouraged to migrate to JDBC or modern Java data access frameworks.

Cluster Health Advisor – AHF Scope The Autonomous Health Framework (AHF Scope) feature of Cluster Health Advisor (CHA) is no longer available. Oracle’s enhanced health monitoring and AI-driven diagnostics replace its functionality. Oracle RAC Cross-Instance Archival The cross-instance archival feature in Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) has been deprecated. Modern backup and replication tools provide more efficient and AI-enabled solutions. Zero Downtime Upgrade (ZDU) in Fleet Patching and Provisioning The ZDU feature of Oracle Fleet Patching and Provisioning (FPP) is deprecated. Oracle now recommends using fully automated upgrade paths that integrate with AI-native deployment workflows. Highly Available Grid Naming Service (GNS) in Grid Infrastructure The HA Grid Naming Service feature is deprecated. Cloud-first networking and naming services, along with Oracle’s AI-driven infrastructure management, are the recommended alternatives. OPatch and OPatchAuto for Out-of-Place Patching The legacy and utilities for applying out-of-place patches are deprecated. Oracle now encourages using fully automated patching workflows integrated with AI-driven database management. Unstructured XML Indexes Support for unstructured XML indexes has been removed. Users should adopt newer indexing methods or structured XML handling features for better performance and scalability.

Oracle JDBC Methods in LOB Objects The methods , , and in , , and are deprecated. Modern JDBC APIs should be used for LOB handling in Java applications. PL/SQL Packages: DBMS_XMLGEN and DBMS_HANG_MANAGER These older PL/SQL packages are no longer supported. Alternative XML and diagnostic packages, along with AI-enabled monitoring tools, provide improved capabilities. Oracle XML DB Repository The legacy XML DB Repository is deprecated. Oracle recommends moving to newer XML management features or cloud-based storage solutions. Oracle Data Provider for .NET (ODP.NET) – Unmanaged Driver The unmanaged ODP.NET driver is deprecated. Developers should migrate to the managed ODP.NET driver for better performance, security, and compatibility with AI-native features. Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) Decryption Libraries – GOST and SEED Algorithms TDE decryption libraries for the GOST and SEED algorithms are no longer supported. Modern encryption standards such as AES are recommended for secure database encryption. BIG_IO Attribute of the CONTEXT Indextype The attribute is deprecated. Alternative indexing options provide improved search performance and better AI integration.

ASYNCHRONOUS_UPDATE Setting of the CONTEXT Indextype The setting is deprecated. Synchronous and AI-optimized indexing mechanisms are now recommended for managing content indexes efficiently. At Learnomate Technologies , we make sure you not only understand such cutting-edge features but also know how to implement them in real-world projects. Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into the database world or an experienced professional upgrading your skillset—we’ve got your back with the most practical, hands-on training in Oracle technologies. Want to see how we teach? Head over to our YouTube channel for insights, tutorials, and tech breakdowns: www.youtube.com/@learnomate To know more about our courses, offerings, and team: Visit our official website: www.learnomate.org Let’s connect and talk tech! Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates, thoughts, and learning resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankushthavali/ If you want to read more about different technologies, Check out our detailed blog posts here: https://learnomate.org/blogs/

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