What changed
OpenClaw released stable 2026.8.1 and clarified that the earlier `2026.9.1-beta.1` tag was actually 2026.8.1 beta 4. Beyond restart recovery, the stable release adds conversation search, remote workers, durable progress views, structured questions, interactive widgets, masked credential requests, scoped automation permissions, explicit model allowlists, team roles and multiple migration-sensitive default changes.
Why it matters
The corrected identity prevents a false version ordering, while the stable release changes memory, self-learning, credentials, automation, model routing and team permissions—control boundaries that can alter agent behavior without a model change.
What to do
Back up configuration and state, pin 2026.8.1 in a disposable canary, run `openclaw doctor --fix`, inspect route and plugin migrations, then test restarts, memory, self-learning, recurring permissions, secret egress, model allowlists, team roles, logs and rollback.
Caveat
Stable status is project-defined, not independent proof of safe defaults or migration reliability. The release is unusually broad, some SDK removals begin on 1 September, and the project advises backups plus assisted repair when automatic update fails.