Kubernetes v1.36 "Haru" overview

Released April 22, 2026. Kubernetes v1.36, just released on April 22, 2026, brings a wide set of improvements that feel less like experimentation and more like completion. With around 70 enhancements across stable, beta, and alpha stages, this release is not about flashy new ideas. It is about finishing what has been in progress for years and making core features reliable enough for everyday production use. The release is named Haru , a sound in Japanese associated with spring and clarity. It is