- [x] I've checked [docs](https://rich.readthedocs.io/en/latest/introduction.html) and [closed issues](https://github.com/Textualize/rich/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aclosed) for possible solutions.
- [x] I can't find my issue in the [FAQ](https://github.com/Textualize/rich/blob/master/FAQ.md).
**Describe the bug**
The README files state that Rich requires Python 3.8 or later, but this is inconsistent with the actual requirement defined in `pyproject.toml`.
**Current situation:**
- `README.md` (line 42): "Rich requires Python 3.8 or later"
- `README.es.md` (line 40): "Rich requiere Python 3.8 o posterior"
- `pyproject.toml` (line 30): `python = ">=3.9.0"`
- `CHANGELOG.md` (v15.0.0): "Dropped support for Python3.8"
**Expected behavior:**
All documentation should consistently state Python 3.9+ as the minimum requirement.
**Files that need updating:**
- `README.md`
- `README.es.md`
- Possibly other localized README files
**Context:**
This inconsistency was introduced when Python 3.8 support was dropped in version 15.0.0 (April 2026). PR #3716 previously updated the docs from 3.7 to 3.8, but the README text wasn't updated when 3.8 support was later dropped.
Apologies—I missed the repository's PR-template requirement that AI-assisted contributions need prior maintainer engagement. I won't submit a PR without that approval, so I'm unclaiming this issue.
README.md (line 42) and README.es.md (line 40) still say "Python 3.8 or later", but pyproject.toml line 30 has `python = ">=3.9.0"`. I went through all 18 localized READMEs and only those two are stale, so it's a two-line change.
I'd be using AI assistance for this (Code Puppy), so per AI_POLICY.md I'm checking before opening a PR rather than after. Happy to put one up if you want it.
@willmcgugan I prepared the small correction requested here: update the minimum version in `README.md` and `README.es.md` from Python 3.8 to 3.9, matching `pyproject.toml` and the v15 changelog. I also added the changelog note required by the contribution guide.
I used Codex (OpenAI) as an AI assistant and reviewed the diff; I take responsibility for the contribution. Does this solution meet the project's AI contribution policy? I will wait for your approval before opening a PR.