We’re excited to announce the new Next.js runtime v5—focused on improving site reliability, performance, and ease of maintenance for developers. This runtime reflects our commitment to improving support for Next.js sites and apps.

Why run Next.js on Netlify?

Some of the largest Next.js projects, including Navan(formerly TripActions) and UW Health, already run on Netlify. The Netlify Platform provides a native Next.js development experience and now uniquely extends the capabilities of Next.js to give developers even more control when using the framework.

We’ve invested heavily in this new runtime to address any runtime challenges and provide a seamless experience for Next.js developers. The release underscores Netlify's commitment to keeping pace with evolving framework needs, fostering open communication, and delivering a robust support infrastructure for Next.js and other frameworks alike.

Built from the ground up with the latest Next.js versions in mind, it ensures stability for critical features such as the App Router and on-demand ISR(Incremental Static Regeneration). With this update, you can expect reliable and future-proof support.

What features does the new runtime support?

The new Next.js runtime introduces key features that significantly benefit websites and applications including:

1. App Router: Netlify seamlessly supports the Next.js App Router, enabling smooth client-side routing and simplifying navigation within your web applications. This router harnesses React's latest capabilities, such as Server Components and Streaming, enhancing your development experience.
2. Automatic fine-grained caching: Next.js Runtime v5 implements fine-grained caching on Netlify to leverage the Next.js Full Route Cache and Data Cache. This empowers automatic caching of static page responses at the edge, which can be revalidated either by path or by tag, ensuring optimal performance.
3. On-demand and time-based revalidation: The App Router and Pages Router offer on-demand and time-based revalidation functionalities, enabling you to refresh and regenerate content whenever necessary post-deployment.
4. Image optimization: The next/image component seamlessly integrates with Netlify Image CDN by default, guaranteeing that your images are optimized and served in the most efficient format possible, enhancing overall performance and user experience.

What are the prerequisites for using the new runtime?

Netlify’s Next.js Runtime v5 configures your site to enable key functionality, including cache control, on-demand revalidation, and on-demand image optimization with Netlify Image CDN. The new runtime provides stable functionality for Next.js version 13.5+ up to the latest stable version. In addition, the Node.js version should be 18+ with the latest version of Netlify CLI.

How to enable the new Next.js runtime?

Please make sure that you are eligible and meet the prerequisites listed above.

To opt in to Netlify’s Next.js Runtime v5, go to the Deploys tab on your site. You will be prompted to Opt in. Click on the Opt-in and trigger a deploy to make the new runtime take effect.

New Next.js rollout process

All eligible sites(using Next.js 13.5+ and Node.js 18+) will receive the rollout based on the following plan:

• Starter accounts will transition to the new runtime starting the first week of April.
• Pro and Business accounts in the second week of April.
• Enterprise customers will commence migration to the new runtime starting in mid-April.

All eligible customers who meet the prerequisites and aren’t part of the rollout yet will see the opt-in/out banner as usual. So you will still have the opportunity to try out the new runtime and help us answer any questions until the new version is rolled out to your account.

Our aim with the rollout is to override any opt-outs from the early access period. If you want to stick with the current version until you're ready for the new one, you can explicitly pin your runtime version to v4, as described in the docs. It's important to note that opting in or out during the early access period won't affect the rollout. If you've opted out during early access and want to continue using the older version after the rollout, make sure to explicitly pin your version.

Netlify remains committed to supporting all frameworks, empowering developers to choose the tools that best suit their needs, and improving the developer experience by releasing the new Next.js runtime. For additional support and resources, please refer to the docs. Stay tuned for more updates as Netlify continues pushing the boundaries of modern web development.