Short answer: The latest Oracle APEX release is 26.2, which Oracle made generally available on October 6, 2026, following APEX 26.1, launched in May 2026 as the “Oracle APEX AI Application Generator.” Together they bring AI agents inside apps, natural-language interactive reports, the APEXlang application definition language, and integration with Oracle Deep Data Security for database-enforced access control. Because Riv-ERP is built on APEX, these advances translate directly into faster customization and stronger security for its customers.
Oracle APEX in one paragraph
Oracle APEX is a low-code platform for building web-based business applications directly on Oracle Database. Oracle describes it as “a fully supported no-cost feature of Oracle Database,” so it needs no separate license, and it has been developed continuously for more than 20 years. Screens, reports and business logic run next to the data, which means fewer middle tiers, strong performance and simpler security.
APEX 26.1: the AI Application Generator
Oracle announced APEX 26.1 on May 14, 2026. Headline features:
- APEXlang: an open, declarative, human-readable language that represents applications as .apx text files, ready for source control, diffs, validation and AI-assisted generation.
- AI Agents and AI Tools: the agent handles the conversation while tools define exactly what it may do, such as retrieving data, running server-side PL/SQL or JavaScript, or requesting client-side actions.
- AI Interactive Reports: users reshape reports in plain language, and APEX applies native filters, sorts, pivots and charts “instead of executing AI-generated SQL,” with each change shown as an editable chip.
- Data Reporter: self-service reporting on administrator-defined trusted datasets, shareable by URL.
What’s new in APEX 26.2
Smarter agents
Developers can set Low, Medium or High reasoning effort per agent to balance answer quality, latency and token usage. Agents can also point users to relevant application pages, while the application itself builds the final URL so session details never pass through model messages.
Broader AI provider support
26.2 supports the OpenAI Responses API and compatible providers, Google Gemini Interactions and supported OCI Generative AI models. Oracle’s new-features deck also lists Anthropic, Meta Llama and Mistral AI.
Modernized Interactive Reports
Refreshed search and quick actions, multi-select and date-range filters, drag-and-drop column ordering, computed columns created through conversation, and configurable key phrases that run common commands quickly without full AI interpretation.
Oracle Deep Data Security integration
APEX passes the verified user identity to Oracle AI Database 26ai, which enforces row, column and value-level access. One policy covers reports, forms and AI agent tools, so an agent cannot see data the user is not entitled to see.
APEXlang grows up
- File-level import of a single page or shared component instead of redeploying the whole app.
- Translations shipped with APEXlang exports, valuable for Arabic/English applications.
- Static analysis of .apx files with SQLcl CodeScan before deployment.
Other improvements
Managed identities for OCI services without storing user API keys, workflow drafts and diagram export, Universal Theme updates and chart performance gains.
26.1 vs 26.2 at a glance
| Area | APEX 26.1 (May 2026) | APEX 26.2 (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| AI agents | AI Agents and AI Tools introduced | Reasoning effort, secure navigation links |
| Reporting | AI Interactive Reports, Data Reporter | Modern UI, conversational computed columns |
| APEXlang | First release (.apx files) | File-level import, translations, CodeScan |
| Security | Developer-defined tool permissions | Deep Data Security, row and column level |
| AI providers | Out-of-the-box major providers | OpenAI Responses, Gemini Interactions, OCI |
Per Oracle’s download page, APEX 26.2 is fully supported on Enterprise and Standard Edition 2 of Oracle Database 19c and Oracle AI Database 26ai. It is available on-premises now, with Autonomous AI Database and OCI rollout following in the weeks after launch.
Why it matters that Riv-ERP is built on APEX
When you choose an ERP, you are not just buying today’s screens; you are buying the platform it will evolve on. Riv-ERP runs on Oracle Database and Oracle APEX, which means:
- Faster customization: low-code development makes adding a report, screen or approval flow for your business quicker than traditional development.
- An AI-ready foundation: agents and natural-language reports are now part of the platform itself, not external add-ons that require moving your data.
- Database-level security: with Deep Data Security, permissions can be enforced where the data lives, which matters for payroll and financial records.
- A vendor-supported platform: APEX is an officially supported, no-cost Oracle Database feature with a regular release cadence.
- Browser-based access: no software to install on every device.
Riv-ERP covers accounting, sales, purchasing, multi-warehouse inventory, POS, HR and payroll, manufacturing and costing, cost centers, cheques, sales reps and loyalty, is ZATCA e-invoicing Phase 1 and 2 compliant, and integrates with Salla and Zid stores.
What this means for Saudi businesses
- Reports without the wait: users adjust reports by asking, reducing dependence on IT for every new view.
- Governed AI: AI changes report settings rather than running free-form SQL, lowering risk on financial data.
- Bilingual apps: translations in APEXlang simplify managing Arabic and English versions.
- Model choice: pick the AI provider that fits your data protection policies.
Looking for a Saudi ERP built on a platform moving quickly toward AI? Request a quote from Riv-ERP and talk to our team in Jeddah.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest version of Oracle APEX?
Oracle APEX 26.2, generally available since October 6, 2026. It followed APEX 26.1, released in May 2026.
Is Oracle APEX free?
Oracle calls APEX a fully supported, no-cost feature of Oracle Database. You need a database license or a cloud service that includes it, but no separate APEX license.
What is APEXlang?
An open, declarative language that describes APEX applications as .apx text files, enabling version control, code review and AI-assisted generation.
Does AI in APEX reports run generated SQL?
No. AI Interactive Reports translate requests into native report settings such as filters, sorts and charts, and every change is visible and editable.
Why does Deep Data Security matter for ERP?
It lets the database enforce row, column and value-level access based on the user’s identity across reports, forms and AI agents, tightening protection of payroll and financial data.
Which databases does APEX 26.2 support?
Oracle fully supports it on Enterprise and Standard Edition 2 of Oracle Database 19c and Oracle AI Database 26ai with a valid support agreement.
Sources: What’s new in Oracle APEX, Oracle APEX downloads, APEX 26.1 announcement, Oracle APEX platform.
