IBM i 7.6 | Everything you need to know about the latest version of IBM’s operating system

IBM i 7.6 will be available on April 18, 2025. IBM i is the latest evolution of IBM’s enterprise operating system, designed exclusively to run on IBM Power servers (which, by the way, we support). This version maintains the integrated platform philosophy that characterizes IBM i, but adds new features relevant to modern environments in security, availability and support for open source technologies.

In this article, we will explore all the new features, requirements and benefits of the latest IBM i 7.6 update.

Post in continuous update. On 10/04/2025 at the IBM webcast we will get all the details of IBM i 7.6 and update with news.

Click here to access the webcast of the day 10/04/2024

Index

1. News
2. Requirements
3. Licenses
4. Life Cycle
5. Linux or IBM i 7.6?
6. IBM i 7.6 in 2025 and beyond?

An all-in-one system

IBM i 7.6 is much more than just an operating system: it integrates middleware, the Db2 for i database engine and a wide range of native tools for management, development and high availability. This means that, unlike models that require the integration of various components, with IBM i you have the advantage of a turnkey solution optimized for transactional workloads and legacy applications written in RPG or COBOL.

Main new features of IBMi 7.6

🛡️Safety as a fundamental pillar

• Integrated multi-factor authentication (MFA):
  • Support for time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), such as Google Authenticator.
  • MFA available even without internet connection.
  • Extended protection for critical profiles such as QSECOFR.
  • Independent implementation for System Service Tools (SST) and Dedicated Service Tools (DST).
• Protection of credentials and sensitive data:
  • New cryptographic APIs, such as PBKDF-2 and ECC/SHA3 algorithms.
  • Support for ASP 1 (Auxiliary Storage Pool) encryption.
  • Improvements in Digital Certificate Manager (DCM) to facilitate TLS certificate management.
• Simplified regulatory compliance:
  • Advanced tools to comply with strict regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.

🧠 Improvement of Db2 for i

• • New SQL functionalities such as data-change-table-reference at UPDATE and DELETE
  • New table SQLSTATE_INFO for debugging SQL errors
  • Enhancement of DUMP_PLAN_CACHE with optional filters
  • Direct view of BLOB columns from ACS
  • SQL services for new auditing and security functions

💻 Development with Code for IBM i (VS Code)

• • Support for free and fixed RPG.
  • DDS compilation from Git.
  • Batch Debug and Service Exit Point support.
  • Integrated Db2 extension: SQL validation, editable results, hover help.
  • Integration with AI for code analysis and natural language queries.

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It appears that Code for IBM i (VS Code) is displacing RDi as the tool of choice for the community.

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☁️ High availability and disaster recovery ( HA/DR )

• PowerHA expands its integration with IBM Cloud, offering new capabilities to replicate and protect data in the cloud:
  • Cloud replication:
    • Support for IASP Volume (LUN-Level) Switching and FlashCopy.
    • Full automation to minimize downtime.
  • Hybrid scalability:
    • Resilient design for hybrid environments (on-premises + cloud).
    • Ideal for companies seeking business continuity without investing in additional hardware.

🧰 Navigator for i: new interface and more control

• • Full support for MFA from Navigator.
  • License expiration view from the dashboard + expiration alerts.
  • Commands such as CFGHOSTSVR to manage unsecured connections.
  • More secure connection and system monitoring tools.

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IBM i 7.6 requirements

Only compatible with IBM Power10 servers with firmware level FW1060 or higher.

• • IBM recommends using HMC v10 or higher.
  • Power9 is not officially supported for this release.
  • Requires updated VIOS and PowerVM.

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💰IBMi 7.6 Licenses

IBM maintains the model by core in different levels (P05, P10…). The base license includes:

• IBM i + Db2 + Navigator + PASE
• Access to open source tools and integrated middleware

Licenses with additional costs:

• • PowerHA
  • Db2 Mirror
  • BRMS
  • RDi (if still in use)

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Life Cycle

• IBM i 7.6 will be supported until the middle of the next decade.

• IBM i 7.4 enters the “fixes only” phase, with no new features.

• IBM is committed to a release cycle every 3 years, and has been since 7.2

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Ubuntu or IBM i 7.6?

It depends on what you are looking for:

• Linux (Ubuntu, RHEL): modular, open, low initial cost, more specialized staff, but you need to integrate the whole stack yourself (OS, database, HA, security…).

• IBM i 7.6: all integrated, excellent performance per core, embedded security, legendary stability, fewer technical staff required.

We will soon make an in-depth analysis of both OS, so stay tuned to our blog, because in these days we will be bringing you all the updated information on how to choose the best option for your company.

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IBM i 7.6 in 2025 and beyond? Conclusions

Is IBMi 7.6 for you? Well…

• ✔️ You use Power10
• ✔️ You depend on RPG or Db2 for i
• ✔️ You want maximum security without complications

➡️ Then IBM i 7.6 is for you.

At SIXE we can help you with:

• Migrations to IBMi 7.6 and IBM Power in general

• Training in IBM i environments

Want to know if IBM i 7.6 is right for your company? Contact us and we will help you.

And if you are passionate about the world of IBM Power, for the inauguration of our web Dame Power, the IBM Power Hispanic Communitywe are giving away free WEBINARS.

The next one is on 04/24/2025 . We will inform you about news, tips and tricks of AIX 7.3.

We have limited places, so don’t think too much about it ;) Click here for more information about the webinars.

References

• IBM i Technology Updates
• IBM i 7.6 Landing Page
• Enhancements to BRMS