# OTA update channels (sketch)

Bare OS images can be pinned and rolled out using **boot policy** and host env hints. Planned channel labels (not all hosts implement every channel today):

| Channel | Intent |
| --- | --- |
| `stable` | Default production track. |
| `candidate` | Pre-stable soak. |
| `edge` | Fast-moving integration. |
| `local` | Developer / air-gapped Corestore-only paths (`BARE_OS_OFFLINE_LKG_BOOT`). |

Wire these as host or guest env keys only after your Pear updater documents support; treat this page as the **contract sketch** for policy fields (`updateChannel`, `requirePearUpdaterChannel`, etc.) as they land in `boot.policy.schema.json`.