Top 10 Salesforce Winter '26 Features Every Developer Should Know

 

The Salesforce Winter '26 release is rolling out with impactful features that enhance the developer experience, enforce stronger security policies, and accelerate modern app development. Whether you're building Lightning components, working with Apex, or deploying with DevOps Center, there’s something in this release for you. Here are the top 10 Winter '26 features every Salesforce developer should know, based on official release updates.

1. Apex Invocable Actions Now Respect User Permissions (Enforced)

As of Winter '26, Apex classes invoked from Flow require the user to have explicit access to the Apex class.

Why it matters: Previously, Flows could run Apex with system context, regardless of user profile. Now, you must ensure proper permission sets are in place to avoid runtime failures.

Action: Review all Apex classes used in Flows and assign access via permission sets or profiles.

2. Flow Execution Requires Explicit Access (Enforced)

The FlowUser permission is now mandatory for running Flows. Access is no longer implied based on object permissions or feature licenses.

Why it matters: Enhances control and limits unintentional execution. Prevents users from launching flows to which they should not have access.

Action: Update user profiles or permission sets with the FlowUser permission.

3. Custom Permissions for Record-Triggered Flows

Developers can now use custom permissions to conditionally run record-triggered flows.

Why it matters: Adds an extra layer of logic to govern when flows should execute—especially useful for modular architectures.

Example Use Case: Only trigger logic for users with a “CanTriggerOpportunityFlow” custom permission.

4. Enhanced Flow Debugger: Copy Element, Resize Panels

Winter '26 delivers several improvements to Flow Builder UI:

  • Copy & paste elements across Flows

  • Resize the toolbox and error panels

  • Enhanced keyboard navigation and canvas performance

Why it matters: Speeds up flow development and improves debugging productivity.

5. Apex Type Support for Data Table Component in Flow

Developers can now bind Apex-defined objects to native Data Table components in Flow screens.

Why it matters: This eliminates the need for workarounds like serializing to JSON or using a custom LWC for displaying Apex results.

6. Secure Record Access in Flow: User Access Enforcement

Record-triggered flows now respect user-level sharing settings by default.

Why it matters: Aligns with Apex and API behavior; ensures secure and consistent access rules across automation.

Tip: Use “Run As System” if your use case requires overriding sharing.

7. DevOps Center: Improved Change Tracking & Deployment Feedback

Winter '26 includes upgrades to DevOps Center, such as:

  • Clearer change tracking diffs

  • Improved pipeline logs and UI

  • Refined metadata support (e.g., Flow versions, Permission Set Groups)

Why it matters: Brings admins and developers closer in CI/CD workflows using clicks over code.

8. GraphQL Enhancements in Salesforce APIs

The Salesforce GraphQL API continues to evolve:

  • New object support

  • Schema introspection improvements

  • Enhanced performance on filtered queries

Why it matters: Enables more efficient front-end and cross-platform app development.

9. Enforced Verified Email Requirement for Legacy Users

From Winter '26, users created before November 1, 2016, must verify their email address to send system emails.

Why it matters: Prevents spoofing, enhances deliverability, and aligns with modern security standards.

Action: Ensure legacy users verify their email or migrate processes to verified accounts.

10. Apex Code Analyzer & Code Builder Updates

The Apex Code Analyzer CLI tool receives new rules and expanded SFDX plugin support. Code Builder now includes:

  • Better support for LWC development

  • GitHub Copilot integration (pilot)

  • Faster org authentication experience

Why it matters: Promotes clean, compliant, and scalable Apex code in modern dev environments.

Final Thoughts

Winter '26 reinforces Salesforce’s commitment to secure, scalable, and AI-ready development. For developers, this means preparing for stricter permission enforcement, better tooling, and more modern APIs. Start testing your Flows, updating permission sets, and experimenting with GraphQL and Code Builder to stay ahead.

For full details, refer to the Winter '26 Release Notes: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.salesforce_release_notes.htm&release=258&type=5

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