Can Increments Be Released Before the Sprint Ends?
Yes, increments can be released at any time during the Sprint if they are ready. The Sprint Review is not a release gate; the end-of-Sprint increment is simply the latest completed version.
Metaphor
Increments are like saved game checkpoints; you don’t need to finish the whole campaign to lock in progress. Each checkpoint represents a usable, complete state you can return to.
In Scrum, Increments capture that usable state and can be released before the Sprint ends.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking:(1)
1.
Susek C. What is a Product Increment [Internet]. scrum.org; [cited 2025 Sep 1]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TLTynKujNo&t=1s