How Caching and Middleware Changed in Next.js 16 Compared to 15

Next.js 16 brings smarter caching and optimized middleware behavior — and it really improves performance. ✨ Key differences: • Smarter route caching — automatic & revalidation-based • Conditional middleware — runs only when needed • Edge runtime improvements — faster TTFB • Stable revalidation hooks (revalidateTag, revalidatePath) If you’re upgrading from v15 → v16, review your fetch cache logic and simplify your middleware setup. You’ll notice faster loads and cleaner code.

10/26/2025