PostgreSQL 18, released in September 2025, brings transformative improvements that database administrators and developers need to understand. With the next major release (PostgreSQL 19) already on the roadmap for September 2026, now is the perfect time to explore what PostgreSQL 18 offers and why it matters for your production systems.

Virtual Generated Columns: A Storage Game-Changer

One of the most significant additions in PostgreSQL 18 is virtual generated columns. While generated columns have existed since PostgreSQL 12, version 18 introduces a critical distinction: virtual generated columns compute values at query time rather than storing them on disk.

This approach delivers substantial benefits:

• Reduced storage overhead – Values aren’t physically stored, saving disk space
• Dynamic computation – Values are calculated on-the-fly when queries need them
• Strong query performance – Despite runtime computation, performance remains excellent
• Flexibility – Easy to modify column definitions without rewriting tables

For applications with derived data or complex calculations, virtual generated columns eliminate the trade-off between storage costs and query convenience.

Asynchronous I/O: Breaking the Performance Ceiling

PostgreSQL 18 introduces asynchronous I/O capabilities, addressing one of the traditional bottlenecks in database performance. This enhancement allows PostgreSQL to initiate multiple I/O operations without blocking, significantly improving throughput for I/O-bound workloads.

The async I/O implementation particularly benefits:

• Large table scans that previously waited on sequential disk reads
• Index operations accessing non-contiguous data blocks
• Vacuum and maintenance operations
• Mixed workloads with concurrent query execution

For DBAs managing high-transaction systems, async I/O can deliver noticeable performance improvements without configuration changes.

RETURNING Enhancements: OLD and NEW Aliases

PostgreSQL 18 expands the RETURNING clause with OLD and NEW aliases for tracking changes across INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and MERGE operations. This feature simplifies change tracking and auditing patterns that previously required triggers or complex application logic.

The enhancement enables developers to:

• Capture both previous and current values in UPDATE operations
• Simplify audit trail implementations
• Reduce round-trips for change detection
• Build more efficient data synchronization logic

Upgrade Considerations and Performance

While PostgreSQL 18 brings impressive capabilities, successful adoption requires planning. The release includes improvements for faster upgrades and better post-upgrade performance, addressing common concerns about version transitions.

Key upgrade improvements:

• Enhanced pg_upgrade performance
• Better handling of large object migrations
• Improved post-upgrade statistics collection
• Reduced downtime during version transitions

Query Planner and General Optimizations

Beyond headline features, PostgreSQL 18 includes numerous query planner enhancements that improve everyday performance. These optimizations build on the parallel query improvements and incremental sort enhancements from previous versions.

Notable improvements include:

• Better cost estimation for complex queries
• Enhanced handling of B-tree skip scans
• Improved support for UUID v7 (a more time-ordered UUID variant)
• Additional parallelism opportunities for analytical workloads

Looking Ahead: PostgreSQL’s Continued Dominance

The PostgreSQL ecosystem continues its remarkable growth trajectory. In 2025, PostgreSQL became the most-used database among developers, leading by over 15 percentage points. Major acquisitions like Snowflake’s $250 million purchase of Crunchy Data and Databricks’ $1 billion acquisition of Neon underscore PostgreSQL’s enterprise relevance.

As we approach PostgreSQL’s 40th anniversary in 2026, the database remains more relevant than ever. Its flexibility, performance, and open-source foundation make it the default choice for modern applications, from traditional OLTP systems to AI and vector search implementations.

Practical Next Steps

For DBAs and developers working with PostgreSQL:

1. Test PostgreSQL 18 in non-production environments to understand performance characteristics
2. Evaluate virtual generated columns for storage-intensive applications
3. Benchmark async I/O benefits for your specific workloads
4. Review the RETURNING enhancements for audit and change tracking use cases
5. Plan upgrade strategies considering your maintenance windows and data volumes

PostgreSQL 18 represents another solid step forward in the database’s evolution. Whether you’re managing enterprise systems or building new applications, understanding these features will help you leverage PostgreSQL’s capabilities more effectively.