IBM Power Generation Release Pattern
IBM's recent Power generation gaps have ranged from three to four years. That supports a 2028 to 2029 planning window after Power 11, not an announced date.
IBM has not announced a release date for the generation after Power 11. The measurable history shows gaps of about four years from POWER7 to POWER8, three years from POWER8 to POWER9, four years from POWER9 to Power 10, and four years from Power 10 to Power 11.
Independent analysis describes an underlying three-year Power and IBM i rhythm, while the two latest hardware gaps were closer to four years. Starting from Power 11's 2025 launch, that supports a planning range centered on 2028 with 2029 still plausible. GCC compiler work for a post-Power 11 processor confirms development activity, but it does not supply a release date.
This record preserves the timing sources behind the release-date guide. It is evidence for a range, not an IBM commitment and not a reason to delay a required project.
Related
Chiplet Hub-and-Spoke Architecture
IBM's post-Power11 generation is expected to move to a chiplet design -- but with a hub-and-spoke I/O layout instead of the centralized-I/O approach used by AMD.
Samsung Process Node & 2.5D Interposer Speculation
IBM is expected to use a mature Samsung process (5nm or 3nm class) for its post-Power11 chips rather than chasing the industry's bleeding-edge nodes -- a deliberate, stated strategy, not a limitation.
IBM i 8.1 Lifecycle Alignment
IBM i 7.6 shipped in April 2025, and independent roadmap tracking projects the next major IBM i release for 2028. That timing supports a planning checkpoint, not a confirmed Power 12 launch.
AI Inference Continuity Signal
IBM has stated on the record that its Spyre-based AI acceleration strategy extends beyond Power11 -- the strongest single data point that Power12 inherits, and likely expands, on-chip and on-node AI inference.
Frequently Asked
When will IBM Power 12 be released?
No date has been announced. Power generation gaps have recently ranged from three to four years, so Power 11's 2025 launch supports a planning range centered on 2028 with 2029 still plausible. The projected 2028 IBM i window is supporting context, not an IBM Power 12 commitment.