Kubernetes 1.37 Released: Stable Metrics API and Rootless Kubelet in Beta

CNCF released Kubernetes 1.37 with 67 enhancements: the Metrics API (metrics.k8s.io) became generally available, rootless kubelet moved to beta, and alpha features such as pod checkpoint/restore and workload-aware scheduling were added. The next release, 1.38, is expected in December 2026.

• Metrics API (metrics.k8s.io) is stable for HPA, VPA and kubectl top
• Rootless kubelet in user namespace moved to beta and is on by default
• Alpha: pod checkpoint/restore and Recreate strategy for StatefulSet
• 67 enhancements total: 27 alpha, 23 beta, 16 stable, 1 removal