What's New in OpenClaw 2026 (through v2026.10.9)
This page is a map of the 2026 release train for operators. It is not a copy of every changelog line. Cross-check version numbers on docs.openclaw.ai/releases before you upgrade a machine that already holds mail, files, or channel tokens.
How to read 2026
Early-year write-ups on this site talked about Dashboard V2 and a Prism API layer. Those still describe the Control UI and the HTTP/CLI automation surface. What actually shipped from August onward is a rebuilt web app, then a dense run of updates, recovery fixes, and security remediations. Treat the year as four blocks:
| Block | Versions | Operator takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Winter–spring | through 2026.7.1 | Control UI and onboarding overhauls, more native apps, more models. |
| OpenClaw 2.0 | v2026.8.1, v2026.8.2 | Rebuilt web, simpler onboarding, Linux desktop companion, browser control that can outlive a stopped Gateway. |
| September | v2026.9.1–9.9 | Atomic Updates, specialist-agent teams, GPT Live, 30-day Usage, new chat models, plugin install without a Gateway restart. |
| October | v2026.10.1–10.9 | Skill Workshop 2.0, public conversation links, full backups, then a string of security and update-recovery patches. |
OpenClaw 2.0 (August)
v2026.8.1 is the line in the sand if you still run a 2026 H1 install. Official notes: rebuilt web experience, simpler onboarding, stronger memory and session continuity, and a large reliability pass. v2026.8.2 added a Linux desktop companion, background sessions, and browser control without a running Gateway. Read the dedicated OpenClaw 2.0 page before you jump versions.
September: updates, teams, meetings, models
- Atomic Updates (v2026.9.5) check the next version before switching on supported paths. Rolling back the application still does not restore your data—see update recovery and full backups.
- Specialist-agent teams (v2026.9.5) are a product wizard, not another theory page. Walkthrough: expert teams.
- GPT Live in meetings and calls, plus later meeting-note updates and transcript search: meetings and phone.
- Complete 30-day Usage (v2026.9.6): how to read the report.
- Models named in release notes: Claude Opus 5.5, Claude Haiku 5.5, GPT-6 Sol / Luna / Astra, GPT-6.1 Sol, Grok 4.7. Routing notes: choosing LLMs and autumn model wiring.
- Plugins you can install without restarting the Gateway (supported set only). Keep upgrade & migration for the rest.
October: Workshop, public links, then security
- v2026.10.5: sidebar refresh, Skill Workshop 2.0 (saved versions and Undo), public conversation links at the normal chat address.
- v2026.10.1: installed-skill discovery, MCP Apps, full backups.
- v2026.10.6: Discord command repairs and iPhone Talk fixes. Discord operators: Discord commands in October.
- v2026.10.7–10.8: more update, conversation, channel, and provider patches.
- v2026.10.9 (latest): security remediations plus recovery. Details: October 2026 security patch.
What v2026.10.9 actually fixed
It is a patch release with no advertised new features. Official notes call out:
- Vulnerable dependency remediations, including MCP URI parsing (
fast-uri4.2.3) and Teams/Azure sign-in credential handling (MSAL Node 7.1.1 on affected plugins). - IMAP sender checks that previously accepted a spoofed From header with a trusted address hidden in nested comments (Nodemailer 10.1.4).
- Workspace-only restrictions applied to Gateway-built delegation and media tools.
- Doctor migrations blocked by large compressed conversation archives; stale SQLite search indexes after Node/SQLite upgrades treated as damaged agent data; Git and Windows update rollbacks that could drop edits or leave the Gateway stopped.
If the Gateway will not start after an update, go to update recovery first, not to a fresh install.
Upgrade order we use on this site
- Make a backup that is not the updater snapshot. Rolling back the app does not roll back conversations. Full backup vs snapshot.
- Read the target notes on docs.openclaw.ai/releases.
- Follow Upgrade & Migration. On supported paths, Atomic Updates check the next version before switching.
- If the Gateway stays down, recover before you delete the data directory.
- Re-run
openclaw doctorand spot-check one channel.