Kubernetes 1.16 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Kubernetes 1.16 reached end of life on 4 Aug 2020. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Kubernetes release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 18 Sept 2019 | — |
| End of life | 4 Aug 2020 | 6.0 years ago |
| Latest release | 1.16.15 · 2 Sept 2020 | final |
Where to go from 1.16
Recommended target: Kubernetes 1.36 (supported until 28 Jun 2027).
The newest actively supported branch is Kubernetes 1.36 (latest release 1.36.3).
Frequently asked questions
Is Kubernetes 1.16 still safe to use?
Kubernetes 1.16 reached end of life on 4 Aug 2020, 2,196 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Kubernetes 1.16?
Yes — the final release (1.16.15) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Kubernetes 1.16 to?
Upgrade to Kubernetes 1.36, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 28 Jun 2027).