Java 26: Finally fixing the 'final' lie

Java 26 has been released with several notable updates. The headline change restricts the ability to mutate final variables via the Reflection API — previously a loophole that allowed frameworks to change constants. Java 26 now emits a warning when this is attempted, with a future default of 'deny' that will throw an error. Other updates include: removal of the long-deprecated Applet API, AOT object caching now available for any garbage collector (improving boot times), experimental HTTP/3 support via QUIC/UDP, and G1 garbage collector synchronization improvements. Java 25 remains the current LTS version.