LocalStack is transitioning its AWS emulator offering into a unified version to enhance user engagement and provide a more secure and feature-rich experience, effective March 2026. Historically, LocalStack offered two separate versions: a free Community edition and a paid Pro edition, but the new consolidated version will require users to create an account for access, allowing the company to maintain better communication and support. This change aims to cater more effectively to engaged users, while still providing free access to students, hobbyists, and open-source projects, although the Community edition will no longer receive regular updates or active maintenance. The shift seeks to ensure the sustainability and evolution of LocalStack's platform, enabling it to continue supporting cloud development productivity globally. Existing users will need to adjust their setups accordingly, either by signing up for the new free tier or pinning to an older version to avoid disruption, though this will exclude future updates and security patches.