9.8.1 / 2026-07-27

• perf(document): avoid rebuilding modified paths during required path validation #16379 xianjianlf2
• perf(document): avoid clearing the required paths cache on every document instantiation #16404 #16377
• fix(query): reject update modifiers without paths #16387 AbdelrahmanHafez
• perf: cache toString() results in array.unique to avoid redundant allocations #16390 vivek180905
• types: respect the _id option when inferring StandardSchema types #16402
• types(model): keep Model.schema typed when TSchema is omitted samuelmbabhazi
• docs(guide): clarify strictQuery handling of filter paths not in the schema #16397 MuhammadFarhantahir