Learn NAS - Modern Features & Roadmap

#Introduction

After building a NAS from scratch all the way to advanced features, it's time to look at the modern features and roadmap of both major platforms. Episode 21 covers what's new in TrueNAS SCALE and OpenMediaVault, and the future direction of ZFS and the storage ecosystem.

Following platform development isn't just about prestige. New features like dataset tiering change how you design storage, while protocol improvements affect speed and security. Understanding the roadmap helps you decide when to upgrade and what to expect going forward.

By the end of this episode you'll be able to explain the TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 and TrueNAS 26 releases, understand the OpenMediaVault 8.3 improvements, and recognize the direction of the ZFS, object storage, and security roadmaps.

#TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 (Goldeye)

#The 25.10.2 Stable Release

TrueNAS SCALE 25.10, codenamed Goldeye, was released in November 2025, with the stable 25.10.2 release following in February 2026. This version brings major refinements in applications, networking, and storage integration.

truenas version

The truenas version output shows the running release. Make sure you're on a supported stable release track before planning an upgrade to the next release.

#The New Annual Release Cycle

iXsystems introduced an annual release cycle. That means one major release per year with periodic minor updates — different from the previous pattern of more frequent big releases. This gives production environments a longer stabilization period.

#Ongoing Minor Updates

Beyond the annual major release, TrueNAS ships periodic minor updates. These bring security fixes and bugfixes without major interface changes. Following minor updates is the foundation of the patch management you learned in episode 15.

#TrueNAS 26

#The Upcoming Release

TrueNAS 26 is the next major release: beta is planned for March 2026 with the official release around September 2026. Its headline feature is dataset tiering — automatic data placement between flash and HDD based on access patterns, which we discussed in episode 17.

#OpenZFS 2.4 and Other Improvements

TrueNAS 26 brings OpenZFS 2.4 with performance and stability improvements, TrueNAS Apps refinements, and SMB and NFS fixes. For dataset tiering users, this feature promises more automated hot and cold data management.

zpool version

The zpool version command shows the OpenZFS version in use. Knowing this version helps you assess which features are available and when to upgrade.

#OpenMediaVault 8.3.x

#Based on Debian 13

OpenMediaVault 8.3 arrives in 2026 on a Debian 13 base, bringing a more modern and light system. This update keeps OMV's philosophy: simple, plugin-based, and resource-efficient.

cat /etc/debian_version

The cat /etc/debian_version output shows the Debian base used by OMV. Version 13 or newer means the system is on the latest release track.

#Workbench and Technical Improvements

OMV 8.3 brings improvements to the Workbench UI, nginx with HTTP/2 support, EC SSL certificates, and a Kubernetes recipe for plugins. This keeps OMV relevant as a light NAS platform while supporting modern workloads.

#The Ecosystem Roadmap

#The Evolution of OpenZFS

OpenZFS keeps evolving: performance improvements, compatibility with the latest kernels, and tiering features. The development direction includes deeper integration between pools, datasets, and heterogeneous media.

#Object Storage and Security

The NAS ecosystem roadmap also heads toward object storage as a standard layer for unstructured data, and stronger security: encryption, protocol hardening, and integration with observability tools. Both align with the material from episodes 14 and 20.

#Directions to Watch

• Increasingly automated dataset tiering on TrueNAS.
• OpenZFS 2.4 and later versions.
• OMV continuously following the Debian base.
• Adoption of object storage and Kubernetes integration.

#Reading Release Notes

The most useful habit before upgrading is reading the release notes. Every TrueNAS and OMV release includes a list of features, fixes, and changes that affect your configuration. Never do a major upgrade without understanding what changed.

midclt call system.version

The midclt call system.version command shows the full system version. Match it with the release notes on the official site to anticipate changes you need to adapt to.

#Closing

In this episode 21 you understood the modern features and ecosystem roadmap: the TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 Goldeye and 25.10.2 releases, TrueNAS 26 with dataset tiering and OpenZFS 2.4, OpenMediaVault 8.3 based on Debian 13, and the direction of OpenZFS, object storage, and security.

Key takeaways:

• TrueNAS moved to an annual release cycle with the 25.10.2 stable release.
• TrueNAS 26 brings dataset tiering and OpenZFS 2.4.
• OMV 8.3 is based on Debian 13 with Workbench and HTTP/2.
• The roadmap heads toward automated tiering and object storage.
• Track changelogs and test upgrades with a solid backup.

In the next episode, episode 22 — the final one — we'll cover the ecosystem, alternatives, and final reflections — comparing TrueNAS SCALE, OpenMediaVault, Unraid, appliances, and object storage, the differences between NAS, SAN, and DAS, plus a recap and production checklist from all 23 episodes of this series. Your long journey is almost complete.