Magento Supported Versions: Guide to Magento 2 and Adobe Commerce
Is your store running the latest version for top performance and security? Magento Supported Versions ensure your store runs smoothly. It covers key Magento 2 releases and their software support.
This article will cover why updating versions improves security and performance.
Key Takeaways
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Keeping your store updated boosts security and performance.
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Each version adds new features and improvements.
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Key differences exist between Magento 1 and 2.
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Magento’s duration policy helps plan updates and support.
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Adobe and Open Source versions have important differences.
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Actions are needed when the version reaches the EOL.
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Major Features and Enhancements in Each Magento Supported Version
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Differences Between Magento 1 and Magento 2 Version Supported
What Are Magento Supported Versions?
Magento Supported Versions refer to the official releases of Magento Open Source and Magento Commerce. These versions get updates, security patches, and quality fixes.
Magento supported versions are the editions that receive official support. This includes security updates, bug patches, and functionalities. Adobe actively maintains these versions. Versions like 2.4.6 and 2.4.7 offer major performance improvements and security enhancements. They ensure your store stays secure and works well for modern eCommerce.
The latest Magento version, 2.4.6, supports PHP 8.2. Magento 2.4.4 and 2.4.5 still work with PHP 7.4 and PHP 8.1. Older versions, like 2.3.7 and 2.3, are no longer supported. It’s important to upgrade to newer versions for technical support. Each patch release adds new features, like:
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Page Builder
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New payment methods
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Updates to the Magento Admin Panel.
Why Keeping Track of Magento Supported Versions Matters
1. Security
Unsupported Magento software is vulnerable to security risks. When a version reaches the end of its life, it stops providing security updates. It exposes your store to attacks. Without these patches, hackers can exploit weaknesses. They can put your customer data and store it at risk. Updating keeps your online platform secure.
2. Performance
New Magento launch versions bring performance optimization updates. For example, Magento 2.4.2 improves integration with Elasticsearch and Redis. Updating ensures your store runs smoothly. It offers faster speeds and a better online shopping experience. These updates help boost customer satisfaction and increase conversion rates.
3. Compliance
Using supported software versions ensures you meet regulatory requirements like PCI DSS. Outdated versions may not be suitable for these standards, leading to fines. Updating to the newest Magento keeps your store compliant. They ensure secure payments and avoid penalties.
4. Extension Compatibility
Unsupported Magento Community Edition versions may not work with the latest plugins. They can limit your store’s features. Newer add-on updates, like API and query language improvements. It often needs Magento 2.4 or higher. Without updates, your store could lose important functionality and flexibility.
5. Technical Support
Magento does not support versions that are no longer maintained under the software policy. It leaves you without help in patch issues, especially with software dependencies like MySQL and MariaDB. Updating to an active version ensures your store stays compatible with the Magento server.
6. Peripheral Technologies
Older Magento Edition versions may rely on outdated technologies. It includes PHP 7.1, PHP 7.3, Redis, or old Elasticsearch for commerce versions. These technologies are reaching discontinuation, making it harder to maintain your site. Updating ensures suitability with modern technologies like PHP 8.2 support. It gives your store a secure and stable foundation.
Major Features and Enhancements in Each Magento Supported Version
1. Magento 2.4.7
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Quality Fixes: Over 150 patches and improvements since March 14.
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Security: 13 new security patch releases improve Magento security.
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Scripting language Support: Adds support for PHP 8.3 to enhance performance.
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GraphQL: Optimized GraphQL with better caching and custom attributes.
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Payment Options: Expands payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. It improves flexibility for business transactions.
2. Magento 2.4.6
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Performance: Brings major performance and scalability improvements since March 14.
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Quality patches: Over 300 patches, improving overall functionality.
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Security: Eight new security patches protect your store from threats.
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Media Gallery: Improves the media gallery for better content management.
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Magento Enterprise: Updates improve Enterprise features.
3. Magento 2.4.5
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Patches: Includes over 290 patches and improvements.
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Security: Delivers 20 important security fixes releases.
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Payment Methods: Improves various payment options for smoother transactions.
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ReCAPTCHA: Adds Google reCAPTCHA for customer accounts and wish lists.
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B2B: Updates B2B Live Search for faster, more accurate results.
4. Magento 2.4.4
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Security: Add new security features to patch previous vulnerabilities.
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OpenSearch: Supports OpenSearch 1.2 and Elasticsearch 7.16 for improved search.
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Magento Open Source 2.3.3: Offers better suitability with Open Source 2.3.3.
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First Magento: Builds on features that have evolved since the first Magento release in 2008.
Differences Between Magento 1 and Magento 2 Version Supported
1. Architecture and Technology Stack
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Old version: Uses older technologies like PHP 5.2.x – 5.5.x and Zend Framework 1. It limits the ability to adapt to modern development needs. These outdated tools make it harder to scale and secure.
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New version: Uses modern technologies like PHP 7.0.x, Symfony, and HTML5. It allows for a more flexible and efficient platform for developers and store owners.
2. Performance
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Old version: Slower page load times and less efficient server response. This is due to the need for built-in full-page caching. This results in a poorer user experience.
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New version: Includes full-page caching and performance improvements. It leads to faster page load times and better server response. It also enhanced user experience.
3. Security
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Old version: No longer receives security updates. It leaves it vulnerable to attacks. The version increases security risks for stores.
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New version: Supported by the Magento software lifecycle policy. It gets regular security updates and features like two-factor authentication, providing stronger protection.
4. Support
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Old Version: No longer receives official support or security updates. It is risky to use for online stores.
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New version: Still supported with updates, bugs, and patches. Ensures it complies with the software policy. Make sure to give access to the latest features.
5. Extensions
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Old Version: Add-ons for this version often conflict with core code. It requires manual patches and increasing maintenance time.
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Latest version: Plugins integrate smoothly with core code. Reduces conflicts and makes updates easier, improving functionality.
6. Mobile Friendliness
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Old Version: Not designed for mobile use. It requires significant customization to support mobile users.
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New version: Comes with mobile-responsive themes and optimized checkout. It offers a better experience for mobile shoppers without extra effort.
7. SEO
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Old Version: Lacks many SEO features and is hard to optimize for search engines.
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Current edition of Magento: Version has introduced advanced SEO tools. It includes canonical tags and meta tags, improving search engine visibility and rankings.
8. Checkout Process
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Old Version: Features a longer, less efficient checkout process. It can lead to higher cart abandonment rates.
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New version: Offers a streamlined, two-step checkout optimized for desktop and mobile. It reduces cart abandonment and improves conversions.
9. Scalability
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Old Version: Struggles to handle high traffic volumes. It is hard to scale without extra optimization.
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New Version: Highly scalable, with features like database partitioning and caching. It is easier to handle growing traffic for the websites.
10. Compatibility
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Old Version: Plugins and themes are not compatible with newer versions. It requires redevelopment or replacement.
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New version: Built with better suitability standards. Allows smooth integration with add-ons and themes, making updates easier and more efficient.
Magento’s Version Lifecycle Policy and Support Timeline
1. Support Window
For Adobe Commerce 2.4.4 and later versions, the support window lasts three years. it is from the General Availability (GA) date. This support includes both security updates and patches.
2. End of Support Dates
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Magento 2.4.8: No end-of-support date has been set yet.
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Magento 2.4.7: Support ends on April 9, 2027.
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Magento 2.4.6: Support ends on March 14, 2026.
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Magento 2.4.5: Support ends on August 9, 2025.
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Magento 2.4.4: Support ends on April 24, 2025.
3. Release Strategy
Adobe's release strategy includes one core application patch each year. Functionalities will be added as composable SaaS services. The number of security updates has increased from three to four each year to improve safety.
4. Quality Patches
Quality patches fix specific problems in the online platform. These patches are available through Adobe Support or the Quality Patch Tool. This helps businesses quickly resolve issues and keep their operations running smoothly.
5. Extended Support Options
Paid extended support plans are offered for versions based on the scripting language of 7.4. This applies to customers using versions 2.3.7 and 2.4.0-2.4.3 for up to one year. This plan allows them to receive important security updates.
6. Third-Party Services and Dependencies
Adobe does not provide security or patches for third-party services and software. These services may reach their EOL during the three-year support period for Commerce and Magento Open Source. Users need to manage these dependencies themselves to ensure security and functionality.
Magento Supported Versions for Adobe vs. Open Source
Aspects | Adobe Commerce | Open Source |
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Licensing and Cost | Requires a paid license based on gross merchandise value (GMV) and average order value (AOV). Costs start at around $40,000 per year. | Free to download and use, with no licensing costs. |
Security | Provides advanced security features. It includes Web Application Firewall, DDoS protection, and PCI-DSS certification for data safety. | Lacks advanced security features and may need extra investments to match similar security levels. |
Support | Offers official support, including security updates, bug fixes, and technical help. | Relies on community support and does not get official help. |
B2B Capabilities | It supports enterprise functionality with features like custom catalogs, pricing, and shipping options. It also has quick ordering and purchase approval workflows. | It can support features through third-party add-ons or custom solutions. The open source lacks built-in business tools. |
Features | Includes advanced features like Live Search powered by Adobe Sensei. It includes seller-assisted shopping, business intelligence tools, and access to App Builder. | Provides basic online features but needs advanced tools. |
Technical Assistance | Provides expert support as part of the license. It is with service-level agreements (SLAs) for quicker response times. | Depends on community support and knowledge base, which can be hard to navigate. |
Hosting | It can be hosted on Commerce Cloud, which includes managed services and security. | Requires self-hosting or third-party managed hosting, leading to potential extra costs and responsibilities. |
Developer Tools | Offers advanced developer tools like App Builder and integration starter kits. It helps in the faster development of online websites. | Does not include advanced developer tools, which can slow down development. |
Scalability | Built for large businesses, supports scalability with features like multiple databases and caching. | May face scalability limits, especially for fast-growing businesses with complex needs. |
What Happens When a Magento Version Reaches End of Life?
1. No Further Updates
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Security Fixes: Once the version reaches its End of Life (EOL). It will not receive new security updates. This leaves the version open to security breaches and possible attacks.
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Bug Fixes: The EOL version will not get any bug fixes. It can lead to ongoing performance issues and other problems for users.
2. No Official Support
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Support Tickets: The official Magento team will stop accepting support tickets for the EOL version. Businesses must rely on something other than Magento for help with issues.
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Technical Assistance: Official technical assistance will be unavailable. Businesses will need to depend on their internal teams or get help from third parties.
3. Incompatibility with Extensions
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Marketplace Extensions: New plugins added to the Marketplace will not work with the EOL. It limits access to functionalities that could improve the store.
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Existing Add-ons: Current plugins may stop working or become incompatible with the EOL. It can disrupt the store's operations.
4. PCI Compliance
Loss of Compliance: Stores using EOL versions may lose their PCI compliance. They will not get the security updates. It is because they need compliance with industry rules to maintain them.
5. Continued Use
No Shutdown: The EOL version does not "shut down." It can still be used, but updating to an active version is strongly recommended. It helps avoid security risks and other problems.
6. Additional Responsibilities
Security and Compliance: Businesses using EOL versions must manage their security measures. They also need to handle PCI compliance re-certification. This increases their risk and liability, as they are responsible for keeping their systems secure.
FAQs
1. What is the latest Magento version available?
The latest Magento is 2.4. This version has many improvements, including better performance and enhanced security features. It supports the newest versions of scripting language and updates to elasticsearch. Always check the release notes for details on functionalities.
2. What are the key features introduced in Magento 2.2?
Magento 2.2 brought several important improvements. It has a better checkout process and improved support for enterprise functions. The version also added new integrations for third-party services. It offers a stronger framework compared to versions previously known as Magento Community.
3. How can I find the versions list for Magento?
You can find the list of complete versions on the official Magento website. Look for the release notes section. The list shows all active versions, their release dates, and support timelines. Keeping track of this list helps you stay informed and plan your updates.
4. What should I do if I want to upgrade from Magento 2.3 to 2.4?
To upgrade from Magento 2.3 to 2.4, follow the official Magento release guide. The guide gives you the necessary steps, such as checking system requirements. Always back up your store before starting the updates to avoid data loss.
5. What is the support for open source software versions?
Open-source software, like Magento Edition, depends mainly on community support. You can find many resources online, such as forums and documentation. If you need guaranteed support, consider updating to a paid version.
6. What is opensearch and how is it related to Magento?
Opensearch is an open-source search engine that can be added to Magento. It provides faster and more relevant search results than earlier technologies. By using a search platform, merchants can enhance the search experience for customers. It can lead to higher satisfaction and more sales.
Summary
Magento Supported Versions are the active versions of the Magento platform. They get regular updates, security updates, and support from Adobe. Keeping your store on an active version helps improve performance and security. Consider the following to track versions:
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Security: Unsupported versions are open to attacks and security risks.
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Performance: New releases make your store faster and more efficient.
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Compliance: Active versions help businesses meet important rules for safe transactions.
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Plugin Suitability: Outdated versions may not work with new add-ons.
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Peripheral Technologies: Updating ensures suitability with essential technologies.
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