Delphi versions

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Delphi is the modern software development environment for Pascal, a structured and object-oriented programming language. The first Delphi version was released in 1995. Today, Delphi has reached version 12.3.

One of Delphi’s greatest strengths is the long lifespan of the applications it creates. However, this longevity also means that many organizations still run legacy Delphi applications that are hard to maintain or expand. That’s why it’s wise to upgrade older projects to the latest version — now Delphi 12.3 — to benefit from new features, improved performance, and platform support.

Turbo Pascal: the predecessor of Delphi.

The very first Delphi

The first version of Delphi (Delphi 1) was released for Windows 3.1 in 1995. It was one of the first Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools. Delphi had a fast 16-bit MS-DOS compiler with its own Delphi IDE and textual user environment toolkit for DOS (Turbo Vision). A year later Delphi 2 was released. This version brought support for 32-bit Windows. Delphi 3 (1997) added new VCL components (such as Rebar and Toolbar).

Delphi 4

Delphi 4 and 5: new editor and features

One year after Delphi 3 came Delphi 4. The IDE got a new editor and was dockable for the first time. VCL added support for ActionLists anchors and constraints. Delphi 5 (1999) included smart capabilities such as the ability to use frames, an improved integrated debugger, XML support and translation capabilities.

Delphi 7

Delphi 6 to 2007: the first steps to .NET and back to basics

Delphi 6 (2001) introduced several innovations, such as a completely new design of some components. These now had the style of Windows 2000. Its successor Delphi 7 is still one of the most widely used Delphi versions. Fast, stable and working on almost every PC, Delphi 7 included support for UML and XML for the first time. There was also limited support for .NET for the first time. The choice for .NET was further implemented in Delphi 8, which also included the VisualStudio-based interface. However, this proved to be unsuccessful, as a result of which the popularity of Delphi declined slightly. The following versions (Delphi 2005, 2006 and Delphi 2007) went back to basics and brought further improvements in the areas of memory management and IDE performance.

Delphi 2009, 2010 and the XE series: Unicode and multi-platform

The biggest addition in Delphi 2009 was the full Unicode support. It was also possible to use generics and anonymous methods. The support for the development of .NET disappeared from the Delphi IDE as of this version. Delphi 2010 introduced the RTTI, and had further improvements in the field of touch screen and gestures. Delphi XE contained a lot of small changes compared to Delphi 2010, only from Delphi XE2 onwards did the Delphi IDE again contain larger improvements; support for Mac and iOS was added through Firemonkey, and from XE5 also Android.

Delphi 10, 11 and 12: The cities generations

Delphi 12 (officially RAD Studio 12) is the latest version of Delphi. Delphi 10 Seattle (10.0) was released in 2015.  Subsequently, a new version of Delphi has been released almost every year, namely 10.1 Berlin (2016), 10.2 Tokyo (2017), 10.3 Rio (2018), 10.4 Sydney (2020), 11 Alexandria (2021) and 12 Athens (2023).

Delphi 12 was a major update that included significant changes across various aspects such as C++ (Visual Assist and new Clang Tech Preview), Installer & IDE (Multidevice Icons, DelphiLSP, VCL Designers), FireMonkey & Skia (Skia UI Controls, rendering and graphic formats, TMemo, and TEdit), VCL (MDI & Tab-based UIs, Fonts and Screens, Components Improvements), Data (JSON Data Binding, FireDAC Secure Coding, Sqids, RAD Server, HTTP, REST), Delphi (String literals improvements, platforms, Circular Uses Statements, Floating Point), and numerous bug fixes (over 1,200 issues, bug reports, and feature requests addressed).

In 2024, Delphi released versions 12.1 and 12.2, both focused on refining the major features introduced in Delphi 12.0 and enhancing overall stability, usability, and platform support. Version 12.1 primarily aimed to improve the quality and performance of RAD Studio 12’s new capabilities. A key highlight was the full integration of the Clang compiler, moving it beyond the tech preview stage. Additionally, editor split views were introduced, enabling developers to work with multiple files side by side in a single IDE window — a significant productivity boost. Other enhancements included various IDE improvements and support for Android API Level 34, ensuring continued compatibility with the latest Android devices.

Version 12.2, released later that year, built upon this foundation by introducing deeper platform integration and better deployment options. It added support for Windows 11 23H2 and improved the MSIX deployment process, allowing easier packaging and distribution of Windows apps. High DPI support was enhanced for sharper visuals on modern displays, and FireMonkey received usability improvements including better alignment options, updated style elements, and component-level refinements. The update also brought enhancements to database connectivity, including FireDAC performance tuning and expanded driver support.

In 2025, Embarcadero released Delphi 12.3, further refining the platform with targeted improvements and developer-focused enhancements. The update brought performance optimizations across the IDE and compiler, resulting in faster build times and smoother navigation. FireDAC received updates for more robust database connectivity and improved compatibility with newer database engines. The REST Debugger was enhanced to support additional HTTP configurations and response formats, making API integration even more efficient. Support for macOS ARM64 was also expanded, reinforcing Delphi’s cross-platform capabilities. Additionally, the code editor saw improvements in responsiveness and code insight features, helping developers write and refactor code more quickly. Delphi 12.3 continues the evolution of Delphi as a modern, reliable toolset for building complex applications across platforms.

The future of Delphi

Delphi is a fine programming language, embraced by programmers all over the world. It enables you to build apps for web, Linux, iOS, Android, IoT & more. In addition, applications run (optionally) in the cloud. So Delphi will probably be used for a long time to come. However, there are more good alternatives nowadays than in the past, such as a low code platform like Codolex. This is why at GDK Software we not only employ Delphi developers.

Delphi update?

Would you like to update your Delphi application? We are at your service for a Delphi update. With our years of experience, we will convert your Delphi application to the latest version. We do this with our own developed conversion tool. Please contact us for free advice.

Want more? Read Pioneering Simplicity!

In addition to this overview of Delphi versions, I’ve also written a book titled Pioneering Simplicity. This book explores the rich history of the Pascal and Delphi programming languages — from their academic beginnings with Niklaus Wirth to the global success of Turbo Pascal and the launch of Delphi as a powerful RAD tool. Pioneering Simplicity offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of modern software development. A must-read for anyone who has worked with Pascal or Delphi, or who’s interested in the broader history of programming languages.