Releasesby GlyphScalar and Batch Unity Catalog Python UDFs are now generally available
Scalar and Batch Unity Catalog Python UDFs are now generally available on all supported compute types. This release adds named handlers for row-at-a-time scalar UDFs, removes the five-UDF-call-per-query limit, and aligns scalar TIMESTAMP inputs with PySpark behavior.
Also shipped Sep 23, 2026Databricks in September 2026 →
New features and improvements in Copilot for JetBrains
GitHub Copilot for JetBrains 1.18.0 brings AI-assisted tool approvals, more control over agent conversations, and shared skills and instructions for your organization. You can also review plans with the Codex agent and manage MCP tools with persistent controls.
Non-deterministic aggregate functions are supported with dynamic table incremental refresh (General availability)
Non-deterministic aggregate functions such as approx count distinct , approx percentile , and approx top k are now supported with dynamic table incremental refresh in INCREMENTAL, AUTO, and ADAPTIVE refresh modes. For incremental refresh, these functions are supported only in the SELECT clause. any value remains unsupported.
More ways to request and configure Copilot code reviews
GitHub Copilot code review now offers additional personal configurations to an expanded set of Copilot plans and an enterprise-level default setting. These improvements are now generally available: A dedicated personal settings page for automatic review and your default review effort An enterprise-wide default review effort setting for organization-owned...
Node 20 is no longer available in GitHub Actions
This is the final notification that Node 20 is no longer available on GitHub Actions runners. Runners now use Node 24 for JavaScript actions. The temporary ACTIONS_ALLOW_USE_UNSECURE_NODE_VERSION opt-out is no longer available. If you maintain a JavaScript action, update its runs.using value to node24 and publish a new release as soon as possible.
Unlimited Vercel Blob stores on every plan
You can now create as many Vercel Blob stores as you need. The previous limits of 100 stores on Hobby, 500 on Pro, and 1,000 on Enterprise no longer apply. Blob store creation is now billed alongside other Blob Advanced Operations , including put() , copy() , and list() calls. On Pro that's $5.00 per million.
Plugin Change Approvals Show the Proposed Diff
Clicking a plugin change approval card now opens the proposed change in the Progress tab as a diff against the saved plugin, with a link to the plugin; after approval it shows exactly what was written. Single-file plugin edits preview the file directly.
More from Unity CatalogEvery Unity Catalog release →
Scala UDFs can access Unity Catalog secrets
Session-scoped and Unity Catalog Scala UDFs can now access secrets managed in Unity Catalog. Session-scoped UDFs use the caller's permissions. A Unity Catalog Scala UDF declares secrets in its SECRETS clause and uses the function owner's permissions, so callers do not need direct access to the secrets.
Time travel queries now enforce ABAC policies (Beta)
This feature is in Beta . Starting in Databricks Runtime 19, you can use time travel on qualifying Unity Catalog managed tables while enforcing ABAC row filter and column mask policies. See Time travel with ABAC policies .
Invite OpenSharing recipients by email (Beta)
You can now invite OpenSharing recipients by email instead of exchanging a sharing identifier or credential file. OpenSharing emails the recipient a secure activation link to connect and read the shared data. Email sharing is in Beta . See OpenSharing by email .
ABAC on views is in Beta
Attribute-based access control (ABAC) row filters and column masks now extend to views, in addition to tables. This lets you use ABAC policies to control access to sensitive data exposed through views. Account admins can enable the ABAC on Views preview from the account console's Previews page. This feature requires Databricks Runtime 19 or above.
Metastore-level ABAC policies are in Beta
Metastore-level ABAC policies are in Beta in Unity Catalog. You can now attach an ABAC policy (row filter, column mask, GRANT, or DENY) at the metastore level, so a single policy applies across every catalog in the metastore, including catalogs created later.
VARIANT cast extends to ARRAY and MAP columns in ABAC column masks
You can now use a single VARIANT function to mask columns of type ARRAY and MAP , in addition to STRUCT and other types. This requires Databricks Runtime 19 or above. See Masking multiple column types with a single function .
Cross-engine attribute-based access controls (ABAC) is now generally available
Cross-engine attribute-based access controls (ABAC) is now generally available. Supported external engines can read Unity Catalog managed tables with ABAC policies, row filters, and column masks enforced by Databricks serverless compute. See Cross-engine attribute-based access controls (ABAC) for requirements, supported clients, and serverless compute costs.
The READ METADATA privilege will soon be available by default for workspaces with the compliance security profile enabled
The READ METADATA privilege will be available by default for workspaces with the compliance security profile enabled in mid-October 2026. READ METADATA grants read-only visibility into an object's metadata, including security-sensitive information that BROWSE doesn't expose, such as privilege grants, row filters and column masks, and ABAC policies.