What PHP Versions Does TYPO3 Support?

TYPO3 boasts an extended maintenance window, surpassing many other CMS options. However, for certain outdated PHP and TYPO3 versions, these maintenance periods are drawing to a close. If the software you depend on is nearing its "end-of-life" (EOL), it's crucial to contemplate your next moves to ensure the security and legal compliance of your websites. Through ELTS, TYPO3 provides support that extends beyond the LTS duration, offering a solution for your ongoing needs.

Outdated software creates a sense of urgency for upgrades. According to W3Techs' November 2023 report, 47.3% of currently active websites are still operating on PHP version 7, posing potential vulnerabilities for thousands of sites. Specifically concerning TYPO3 CMS, a survey conducted by TYPO3 Version Statistics in September 2023 examined 229,000 TYPO3 websites.

The findings revealed that around 12.57% of these sites were using TYPO3 v8.7, an unsupported version that could pose risks to site owners. Additionally, 12.49% were running TYPO3 v9.5, which relies on an unsupported PHP version. Recognizing these risks, our TYPO3 digital agency partners strongly advise their clients to promptly update their sites for enhanced security and compliance.

Let's delve into the implications of these statistics.

A "supported version" of software is officially backed by a team of developers who are prepared to assess and resolve bugs or security issues that may arise. This aspect is not only a reassuring factor or a desirable element for IT governance; it is also crucial for compliance with laws and regulations governing data privacy and security. Regulations such as GDPR mandate the use of up-to-date software.

In the context of open-source software, a supported version ensures that discovered bugs and security issues are promptly addressed. However, the ability to maintain numerous versions is inherently limited. As time progresses, older versions typically transition through a phase where updates are restricted to addressing only the most critical issues before eventually reaching the "End of Life" (EOL) stage.

The PHP community follows a similar trajectory, moving versions from an "Active Support" phase, where the version receives both bug fixes and security updates, to a "Security Fixes Only" phase, wherein only critical security issues are addressed.

For TYPO3 CMS, each new version undergoes a series of sprint releases to introduce new features, improvements, and deprecations. The launch of the Long Term Support (LTS) version initiates a three-year period of continuous support. During this LTS maintenance period, the TYPO3 Core Team issues regular bug-fix updates and security fixes as necessary, supporting two versions simultaneously—the current LTS release and its predecessor.

After this initial three-year support window, TYPO3 GmbH provides an Extended Long Term Support program for an additional three years, available through paid support. This extension increases the potential supported lifecycle of a TYPO3 site, maximizing the return on investment and affording companies the time to determine their next strategic steps.

Managing and aligning various software versions may be challenging. To simplify this process, here is a table illustrating the compatibility of TYPO3, PHP, and MySQL versions.

• Step - 1: Create phpinfo.php file at your root directory
• Step - 2 : Add below code

When examining the compatibility between TYPO3 and PHP versions, it becomes apparent that TYPO3 v9 and v10 no longer align with a supported PHP version.

For those operating a TYPO3 v10 site or an earlier version, it is imperative to transition to TYPO3 v12. Similarly, for those utilizing TYPO3 v11, it is advisable to start contemplating the next steps.

Please be aware that as of the update in November 2023, PHP 8.0 is in the "Security fixes only" phase. For detailed information, refer to:

• The TYPO3 Roadmap, which provides an updated list of supported TYPO3 PHP versions.
• Presently, the supported PHP versions are PHP 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.

It is strongly advised to take prompt action in response to these developments.

Upgrading to the latest TYPO3 version offers several significant benefits and is often recommended for the following reasons:

• The latest TYPO3 version incorporates security enhancements and patches, providing a more robust defense against potential vulnerabilities.
• Regular updates help safeguard your website and sensitive data from emerging security threats.

Bug Fixes and Stability

• Each TYPO3 update includes bug fixes and optimizations, leading to improved system stability and performance.
• Upgrading ensures that your website operates smoothly and efficiently, addressing issues identified in earlier versions.

Feature Enhancements

• New TYPO3 versions introduce enhanced features, functionalities, and tools that can enhance the user experience for both administrators and visitors.
• Staying current allows you to leverage the latest capabilities and take advantage of advancements in web development.

Compatibility with Modern Technologies

• The latest TYPO3 versions are designed to be compatible with contemporary technologies, browsers, and web standards.
• Upgrading ensures that your website remains compatible with evolving internet technologies, offering a seamless experience across devices and platforms.

Long-Term Support (LTS)

• TYPO3 LTS versions receive extended support, including regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches for an extended period.
• LTS versions provide a stable foundation for your website, reducing the frequency of major upgrades and offering long-term reliability.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations

• Adhering to the latest TYPO3 version helps ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• For instance, regulations like GDPR may require the use of up-to-date software to maintain data privacy and security.

Community Support

TYPO3 has an active and supportive community of developers, contributors, and users. Upgrading to the latest version ensures ongoing community support, making it easier to find solutions, resources, and assistance when needed.

Performance Optimization

New TYPO3 versions often include performance optimizations and efficiency improvements, leading to faster loading times and better overall website performance.

Easier Future Upgrades

• Regularly upgrading TYPO3 makes future upgrades smoother, as you can follow a more straightforward path from one version to the next.
• Delaying upgrades for an extended period may result in a more complex and challenging migration process.

If you prefer not to handle the upgrade yourself, you can also avail our professional TYPO3 Upgrade service for upgrading your TYPO3 Websites.

However, providing advance statements regarding the complexity and duration of the upgrade is challenging. The intricacy depends on the extensions in use and the version you are upgrading from. Consequently, we are unable to offer time or cost estimates beforehand.

As a preliminary step, we conduct an upgrade check to assess the feasibility and approximate working time required. Unfortunately, due to the effort involved in this check, we cannot provide it free of charge. The cost for this check, conducted by us, is xxx  euros (including VAT). Based on the check results, we can furnish you with an implementation offer if an upgrade is viable.

Despite meticulous examination, we cannot guarantee a complication-free upgrade. In the event of unexpected technical issues, we would promptly contact you to discuss the appropriate course of action.

For any further inquiries about the upgrade, feel free to send us a message.

Note: All the information mentioned here is from their official documentation : https://typo3.com/blog/what-versions-of-typo3-run-on-which-versions-of-php