Direct answer

The update changes a field Kubernetes uses as stable identity. Revert that field or plan a controlled replacement.

Where this error appears

Kubernetes resource updates

Root cause

Common immutable fields include Deployment selectors, Service clusterIP, and several StatefulSet identity fields.

Minimal reproduction

# Existing selector
matchLabels:
  app: api
# New selector
matchLabels:
  app: backend

Corrected example

# Keep the existing selector stable, or deploy a new resource name
matchLabels:
  app: api

Verify the fix

kubectl diff -f manifest.yaml

Things to check

  • Deleting and recreating may cause downtime or replace generated addresses.
  • Use a new resource name for intentional identity changes.

Authoritative reference

Confirm version-specific behavior in Kubernetes Deployments。