C++26 Disapproved

On October 23, 2026, the C++ Standardization Committee (WG21) faced a disheartening outcome as the C++26 draft was disapproved by the ISO National Bodies (NBs). This marked the first time in the history of C++ that a DIS ballot failed. The issue at hand was Contracts, a feature that a significant number of NBs believed was not yet ready for release.

Despite the committee's efforts and the approval of the feature in previous stages, the disapproval at the DIS stage led to a deadlock in the voting process. The feature's inclusion in C++26 was a topic of discussion for several years, with the committee forming a study group in 2020 to address its various aspects. After thorough discussions, the feature was included in C++26 by a majority vote.

However, the disapproval at the DIS stage has left the future of C++ uncertain, as the committee now faces a difficult decision on what to do next.