The popular in-memory database Redis has released the first release candidate (RC1) of its upcoming major update, Redis 8.2. This version brings a host of performance optimizations, memory savings, and new capabilities focused on scalable vector search (SVS). Among the most notable additions is SVS-VAMANA, a new vector index type optimized for modern Intel CPUs.
Redis 8.2-RC1 builds upon Redis 8.0, which recently adopted a tri-license model (including AGPLv3) in response to developer and community feedback. While this new release is not yet suitable for production environments, it marks a significant milestone for developers working with large data volumes and high-performance needs.
Scalable vector search and optimized compression
Redis’ query engine now integrates SVS-VAMANA, a new index type designed for efficient vector compression, as part of its integration with scalable vector search libraries. This functionality targets modern workloads such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and recommendation systems.
With this update, Redis becomes a viable alternative for architectures requiring vector search over embeddings and large datasets—without relying solely on dedicated vector engines.
Performance and memory usage improvements
Redis 8.2 introduces multiple optimizations, improving both specific commands and the general behavior of the system:
- BITCOUNT now uses prefetching to speed up bit counting.
- SCAN has been optimized to check expirations only on databases with volatile keys.
- Commands like LREM, LPOS, LINSERT, and ZRANK are now faster due to improved string comparison caching.
- Operations such as COPY, RENAME, and RESTORE with TTL are more resource-efficient.
- Memory tracking overhead from malloc has been reduced.
- The client cron task has been optimized to avoid blocking the main thread.
- Memory footprint improvements in the JSON module thanks to inlined numbers.
New commands and extended metrics
Redis 8.2-RC1 adds several new instructions, especially for stream handling:
- XDELEX and XACKDEL allow more granular deletion of stream entries and acknowledgments.
- CLUSTER SLOT-STATS provides per-slot metrics such as key count, CPU usage, and network I/O.
- A new IN operator for VSIM improves filtering expression capabilities.
Additional metrics have also been introduced, including peak memory usage timestamps, master-replica sync attempts, and cumulative disconnect time, enabling deeper system monitoring.
Security and stability
RC1 addresses several bugs, including a critical vulnerability CVE-2025-27151, affecting redis-check-aof, which could lead to stack overflows and potential remote code execution.
Redis gears up for a smarter future
With this release, Redis strengthens its position not only as a high-performance key-value store, but also as a central component in modern AI and distributed system architectures. The improvements in Redis 8.2 anticipate a future where efficient in-memory data management and vector analytics go hand in hand.
Redis 8.2-RC1 is available for testing on Docker Hub and the official GitHub repository. While still a pre-release, it offers developers and organizations a chance to start experimenting with its powerful new features.
