Python version migration plan and timeline from 3.9 to 3.13

Applicability

Description

When inspecting the Splunk docker image pulled from Docker Hub using the latest tag, users may observe that the included Python version is 3.9.20.

# $SPLUNK_HOME/bin/splunk version
Splunk 10.0.2 (build e2d18b4767e9)
#
# $SPLUNK_HOME/bin/python3 --version
Python 3.9.20
#

Users are concerned about Splunk’s timeline for upgrading to a more recent, supported Python version (such as 3.9.23 or 3.10+) due to the end-of-life status of Python 3.9.20 and its potential known vulnerabilities.

Investigation

The user noticed that the current Python version in the latest Splunk Docker image is an unsupported version from the official Python website.

Status of Python 3.9 versions: Unsupported - End of Life (2025-10-31)

Resolution

Splunk has officially announced ongoing plans to modernize its Python runtime environment. 

According to Splunk’s community announcement, future Splunk installation packages will include updated Python versions (including Python 3.13).

The upcoming releases of Splunk Enterprise 10.2.x and Splunk Cloud Platform 10.2.x will officially introduce the Python 3.13 interpreter, 
marking an important step forward in modernizing the Splunk platform for performance and security. 

The Splunk docker image is built from the standard Splunk installation packages, updated Python versions will be incorporated into the Docker image as soon as they are part of the official Splunk release.

There is no separate or earlier timeline for Python upgrades in Docker images versus standard Splunk packages.

The Splunk 10.2 version is scheduled for release on January 12, 2026 as of now.

However, this release date is subject to change based on internal circumstances.