Added 2026-07-28:
Update the Default TSO Screen Size to 24x80 for IBM 3270 Systems Network Architecture (SNA) Terminals
What is being removed or changed
In a future z/OS release, the default value of the TSOKEY00 SCRSIZE parameter will change from 12x40 to 24x80 for TSO sessions using IBM 3270 Systems Network Architecture (SNA) terminals. Systems that explicitly specify a SCRSIZE value in TSOKEY00 or define a screen size through VTAM logon mode tables will continue to use those specified values. Only the initialized default is changing.
Required customer migration or upgrade actions
Review environments that use IBM 3270 SNA terminals and rely on the default TSO screen size. If 12x40 is the preferred screen size, explicitly specify the desired SCRSIZE value in the TSOKEY00 parmlib member or define the screen size through the session's VTAM logon mode table before upgrading. There is no impact to any SNA session whose BIND specifies the screen size, for example, IBM Personal Communications and HOD have controls to set this size in the BIND image.
Why is IBM making this change?
IBM is changing the default screen size to have a more reasonable default 3270 terminal configuration. This update simplifies default behavior while preserving existing customizations for installations that explicitly define a different screen size.
Links to the relevant documentation
TSOKEY00 statements and parameters
Added 2026-05-26:
Removal of Support for the ISPF z/OSMF plugin
What is being removed or changed
z/OS 3.2 is planned to be the last release to support the WebISPF (ISPF z/OSMF) plugin.
Required customer migration or upgrade actions
Move workflows away from the WebISPF plugin. Continue using the traditional 3270 ISPF interface for ISPF-based tasks. Consider adopting modern interfaces such as z/OSMF or Zowe where appropriate.
Why is IBM making this change?
The WebISPF plugin duplicates many capabilities already available through the traditional 3270 ISPF interface. IBM intends to simplify z/OS platform by standardizing system behavior and guiding customers toward modern, supported IDEs that provide familiar interaction patterns for next generation z/OS programmers. The WebISPF plugin capabilities are not applicable as we move towards a configuration as code paradigm, where programmers will use Git, pipelines, and IDEs. Removing redundant technology available in the WebISPF plugin will also reduce maintenance overhead.
Links to the relevant documentation
z/OS Statement of Direction AD26-0529
Added 2026-04-06:
Removal of Support for X Window System Interface V11R4 (X11R4)
What is being removed or changed
z/OS 3.2 is planned to be the last z/OS release to support the X Window System interface V11R4 and Motif Version 1 (X11R4).
Required customer migration or upgrade actions
Identify applications that use X11R4; plan and test migration to X11R6 before upgrading beyond z/OS 3.2.
Why is IBM making this change?
X11R4 and Motif Version 1 are user interface technologies that have been superseded by newer implementations. IBM is simplifying the platform by retiring outdated interfaces and focusing support on more modern alternatives.
Links to the relevant documentation
z/OS Statement of Direction AD26-0150
Removal of Support for TSO/E Information Center Facility
What is being removed or changed
z/OS 3.2 is planned to be the last release to support the TSO/E Information Center Facility.
Required customer migration or upgrade actions
Transition users to z/OSMF, Zowe, or IBM online documentation; update internal training material. Review your environment for dependencies on TSO/E Information Center Facility data sets, which by default use the ICQ high-level qualifier. Remove references to these data sets from TSO logon procedures, REXX execs, CLISTs, and related procedures before upgrading beyond z/OS 3.2.
Why is IBM making this change?
Information Center Facility represents an older delivery model that has been replaced by modern web-based documentation and management interfaces. Consolidating around current platforms simplifies documentation access and maintenance.
Links to the relevant documentation
z/OS 3.2 Announcement - Statement of Direction AD26-0005