> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.appfarm.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.appfarm.io/solution-administration/release-channels.md).

# Release channels

[Appfarm Create](/reference/appfarm-create.md) and the [Appfarm Client](/reference/appfarm-client.md) are frequently updated with new versions, providing users and developers with new features, improvements and bug fixes.  Upgrades are managed on a per-Solution basis, depending on which release channel the Solution is on. The current release cadence is weekly, but is subject to change. With every release, all release channels will be updated one major version. A Solution is upgraded the first time someone opens it in Appfarm Create after a release. Solutions that aren't opened are upgraded automatically later in the week, before the next release.

There are three release channels: **Early, Standard** and **Stable.** The default channel for production solutions is **Standard,** while sandboxes and free trial solutions will be set to **Early** by default. The release schedule is outlined in the table below.

| Channel      | Delay                             | Note                                                                                                                                                      |
| ------------ | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Early**    | The latest public release         | Get new features and improvements first! Solutions on the Early channel operate under a relaxed SLA (see below), acknowledging the focus on early access. |
| **Standard** | One major version behind Early    | Recommended channel for most production solutions, offering a balance of new features and proven stability. Standard SLA applies.                         |
| **Stable**   | One major version behind Standard | Solutions with stringent stability requirements where the latest features are not critical.                                                               |

## Checking a Solution's release channel

Open [Settings](/reference/appfarm-create/settings.md) and select **About**. The release channel, Appfarm Create version, and build time are listed under **Appfarm Create**. The version is also shown at the bottom of the help menu in the bottom-left corner of Appfarm Create. Hover it to see the release channel and last build.

<figure><img src="https://29237295-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MiLU-xcHu0eLZiTxcmZ%2Fuploads%2FQq7nWggLoYCuU8bjQavK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c7f5e167-b994-4b07-919b-7aa264ae948d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Moving to a different release channel

The channel version indicates the latest version available for Solutions in that channel. When you move a Solution to a channel with a higher version, it upgrades automatically. If the Solution is multiple versions behind, it upgrades sequentially - one major version at a time. The first upgrade typically begins immediately after the channel change. Subsequent upgrades may take up to 48 hours to start due to underlying model conversion dependencies. Conversely, if a Solution is moved to a channel with a lower channel version, no downgrade occurs. Instead, the Solution pauses upgrades until the channel version catches up to the Solution's current version.

Get in touch with your Appfarm representative to discuss moving your Solution to a different release channel.

## Early Channel with "relaxed SLA"

The Early channel receives the version immediately following rigorous internal validation. Since it is the first channel to expose a given version to a wide external audience, there is an inherently higher risk of encountering non-critical, edge-case bugs. The relaxed SLA reflects this stabilization phase. You can read more about the relaxed SLA in our [policies](https://policies.appfarm.io/service-and-usage/early-release-channel-sla-policy).


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