diff --git a/content/en/docs/reference/using-api/deprecation-policy.md b/content/en/docs/reference/using-api/deprecation-policy.md index ae10c4dae5681..e1c378c4ac3aa 100644 --- a/content/en/docs/reference/using-api/deprecation-policy.md +++ b/content/en/docs/reference/using-api/deprecation-policy.md @@ -79,15 +79,17 @@ might have to add an equivalent field or represent it as an annotation. * Beta API versions can replace earlier beta and alpha API versions, but *may not* replace GA API versions. * Alpha API versions can replace earlier alpha API versions, but *may not* replace GA or beta API versions. -**Rule #4a: Other than the most recent API versions in each track, older API -versions must be supported after their announced deprecation for a duration of -no less than:** +**Rule #4a: minimum API lifetime is determined by the API stability level** - * **GA: 12 months or 3 releases (whichever is longer)** - * **Beta: 9 months or 3 releases (whichever is longer)** - * **Alpha: 0 releases** + * **GA API versions may be marked as deprecated, but must not be removed within a major version of Kubernetes** + * **Beta API versions must be supported for 9 months or 3 releases (whichever is longer) after deprecation** + * **Alpha API versions may be removed in any release without prior deprecation notice** -This covers the [maximum supported version skew of 2 releases](/docs/setup/release/version-skew-policy/). +This ensures beta API support covers the [maximum supported version skew of 2 releases](/docs/setup/release/version-skew-policy/). + +{{< note >}} +There are no current plans for a major version revision of Kubernetes that removes GA APIs. +{{< /note >}} {{< note >}} Until [#52185](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/issues/52185) is @@ -237,7 +239,7 @@ API versions are supported in a series of subsequent releases.