The historic failure marks the first time a Draft International Standard ballot for C++ has been rejected. Opposing ISO National Bodies cited lingering issues with Contracts, a feature previously pulled from C++20 and reworked between 2020 and roughly 2024. Although the C++ Standardization Committee advanced the draft by a large margin in March 2026, dissenting members leveraged new information to halt the standard at the penultimate stage. Standardization officials must now establish consensus on whether to revise the draft, publish a Technical Specification, return to committee, or scrap the project.
Key points
Dissenting National Bodies blocked the international standard at the penultimate stage du…: Dissenting National Bodies blocked the international standard at the penultimate stage due to unaddressed readiness concerns surrounding Contracts.
ISO leadership must now choose between revising the draft, returning to committee stages,…: ISO leadership must now choose between revising the draft, returning to committee stages, issuing a Technical Specification, or canceling the project entirely.
Unresolved procedural disputes will inevitably delay the next official standard release a…: Unresolved procedural disputes will inevitably delay the next official standard release and leave its ultimate release schedule and naming uncertain.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
C++26 DIS failed, how does C++ survive?
On October 23, 2026, the unthinkable happened. It was supposed to be a mere formality: C++26 was up for a vote by the ISO National Bodies (NBs). The options are always approval, rejection, or abstention. Comments are also allowed. Since 1998, this process had run quietly and smoothly. Not so on October 23, 2026. After a twelve-week voting period, the result is in: Disapproved!
I would like to mention here that I am a member of the C++ Standardization Committee and, together with my colleagues, represent Germany’s vote. ISO rules also stipulate that certain votes are internal to ISO, and the results—or the breakdown of the results—may not be published. This article contains my own personal views.
The Current Status
As far as I know, this is the first time in the history of C++ that DIS ballot failed. When I searched the ISO system, I could only find one other DIS that was not approved: ISO/IEC DIS 26926 C++/CLI Language Specification dated August 11, 2006. It’s possible that my search privileges aren’t…
A new project called catlang demonstrates how mathematical category theory can serve as an effective intermediate representation for programming languages. The system parses custom arrow notation and compiles entire programs into single, monolithic queries executed within a relational database. This novel approach validates whether abstract algebraic structures can successfully orchestrate general computational logic inside existing database engines.
Cross-platform framework Codename One has introduced automated fallbacks that let developers deploy a single application build across both standard and privacy-focused Android variants. Applications dynamically detect Google Play at runtime to safely bypass proprietary dependencies without triggering crashes. This move shields engineering teams from managing fragmented builds while extending cross-platform compatibility across non-Google distributions.
Singapore's transport authorities are addressing passenger concerns over accessibility by introducing a stepless main aisle and lower interior steps across hundreds of upcoming vehicles. The initiative supports the nation's broader sustainability goal to achieve a 50 percent electrified public bus fleet by 2030. These new additions will also enhance operational safety through improved vehicle range, driver-assist systems, and interactive external signage.