Java Edition 1.9

1.9 is an upcoming update to Minecraft with no set release date, currently only listed in the bug tracker as "Far Future Version - 1.9+", as well as mentioned by the Minecraft Developers.

Snapshots will not begin until after February.

Planned additions
Pressed Dirt
 * A new block type.
 * Captions (e.g. [creeper hissing])
 * A way for mod/plugin makers to implement new commands and register them in a simple way.
 * Animation / Entity Models
 * Could possibly include model changes via NBT.
 * Would be implemented via resource packs.
 * This will make better use of changes in the code, so map makers/mod makers can create better/new mobs.
 * Basically what had happened with the block data change in 1.8.
 * May take some time before it is fully finished.
 * Pressed Dirt.png
 * A 15/16 block tall grass-like "path". It features a similar texture to the grass block.
 * Subtitles
 * Subtitles which display for each sound for the hearing impaired/deaf.

Planned changes

 * Command blocks
 * New GUI
 * Will contain tab to complete.
 * Clouds
 * New cloud rendering system.
 * Shaders
 * Switch away from using fixed-function OpenGL to using Shaders.
 * Bosses
 * Proper support for multiple bosses including boss bars for each boss.
 * Ender Dragon
 * A redo of the Ender Dragon's boss fight, being similar to the fight in Console Edition.
 * Now breathes purple particles.
 * The dragon will respawn without resetting the End if it has already been killed.