Upcoming TLDs / .way
Can you register a .way domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .way would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
a path or route or method or manner of doing something
A route, direction, method or manner of doing something.
A direction or a manner/method of doing
“way” is a common English noun referring to a route, direction, method or manner of doing something. It may also describe a course toward an objective, an approach, or a means of reaching a result.
WAY is a road, path or direction, and also a method of doing something. It can mean how something happens or where it is headed. There is always a way.
Who applied for .way
Link Freedom Group / LFG
Link Freedom Group Ltd, MT, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Link Freedom Group (LFG) aspires to become a best-in-class, vertically integrated domain name registration authority, see linkfreedomgroup.link. This TLD is part of a carefully curated portfolio of strings that LFG intends to pursue in ICANN’s 2026 New gTLD Program. In assembling this portfolio, LFG focused on securing meaningful, memorable, and commercially compelling strings that resonate strongly with end users and offer long-term growth potential.
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .way is to provide a versatile namespace for travel, navigation, methods, education, personal journeys, philosophies and solution-oriented services.
NextGEN TLDs GmbH
DE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission and purpose of this TLD is to expand consumer choice by dedicating a space to the many goods and services that have a proprietary "way" that distinguishes them from others (e.g. "The HP Way"). Registrants and users will be commercial and non-profit entities and individuals that have a special means of delivering a benefit. It will be sustainable because new entities are continually being formed, and many base their success on the particular "way" in which they deliver for clients/customers.
TechEdge
TechEdge Limited, KY, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Mission
XYZ.COM LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and purpose. This gTLD will be operated as an open, unrestricted generic top-level domain. Its purpose is to expand naming choice in the DNS by making this term available at the top level for any lawful use chosen by the registrant. Registrations will be available to all registrants on a first-come, first-served basis through ICANN-accredited registrars, subject only to the Registry Agreement, ICANN Consensus Policies, and applicable law. The applicant will not operate this gTLD on an exclusive basis.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .way be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .way and its registry announces launch dates.