We know a feature update via an enablement package from Windows 10 19041 to 19045 and also from Windows 11 22H2 to 23H3. For Microsoft, this is an easy way to provide two Windows versions with one update. Because only the EP decides which functions are activated.
In the article about checkpoint updates, the enablement packages for the annual update were also mentioned. These new updates would then no longer start with the “RTM”, but after the feature update. This in turn saves time and traffic in the following cumulative updates.
In 24H2, the kernel was changed from nickel to germanium. So, if you read Microsoft's post a little more, you can assume that Windows 11 25H2 will also keep this kernel and only get a feature update.
Internally, a few 27xxx versions have already appeared that will use the Dilithium kernel. But things have been very quiet recently. And Microsoft needs a lot of lead time for a new kernel. But if it turns out that the 25H2 keeps the kernel, that's not a bad thing. Because installing a small update like this is quicker than an upgrade. Especially for those who are still using older hardware.