Swift 3.0 Release Process

Swift 3.0 is a major release that is not source-compatible with Swift 2.2. It contains fundamental changes to the language and Swift Standard Library. A comprehensive list of implemented changes for Swift 3.0 can be found on the Swift evolution site.

Swift 3.0 is also the first release to include the Swift Package Manager. While the Swift Package Manager is still early in its development, it supports the development and distribution of cross-platform Swift packages. The Swift Package Manager will be available on both Darwin and Linux.

→ swift.org/blog/swift-3.0-release-process/

Swift 3.0 marks a major release without source compatibility to Swift 2.2. It brings key changes to the language and standard library through the evolution process. It adds the Swift Package Manager for cross-platform work on Darwin and Linux, plus core libraries for Linux.

The release aims for late 2016, with developer previews from branches starting May 12, every 4-6 weeks, under release managers. Changes enter via pull requests with growing restrictions as it nears completion.