Magento 2.3.x Reaches the End of Support in April 2022

Adobe Commerce 2.3x, formerly known as Magento open-source 2.3x, will reach the end of support in about six months. The Magento 2.3 End of Life will have massive implications on live websites on the Magento platform 2.3 and lower as of now, including no more software support and security fixes w.e.f. April 28, 2022. This has also shown the door to any quality fixes on Magento websites on version 2.3 w.e.f July 2021.

As of now, there are a little less than 50,000 live websites on Magento 2.3. Although these websites will continue business as usual after the end-of-life date, still for eCommerce stores on Magento 2.3 and lower, a lot is going to change and to know what those changes are, we request you to read on.

Magento recommends the eCommerce store owners on Magento 2.3 to upgrade to version 2.4 as soon as possible to avert security threats and related risks. We have put together a list of what Magento 2.3 EoL brings to the table shortly. 

• No Further Update 

Magento 2.3 will be going obsolete and hence will not be provided with any further updates. These updates will include security patches, quality, and PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance changes. The unsupported version will not have access to these updates putting their online store’s and customers’ data at risk. 

• Unavailable Support 

For the unsupported versions of the Magento platform, the support tickets will no longer be valid. This implies limited support even when the stores might need it. And, with the lack of security and technical updates, the online stores on Magento 2.3 will eventually need ample technical support. 

• Restricted Magento Marketplace Extensions

The Magento Marketplace extensions that are exclusively compatible with the unsupported version of Magento will be effectively removed. With time, the stores on Magento 2.3 will be unable to use most of the extensions essential to run the store. Also, these online stores will not access any new extensions and features, limiting their capacity to operate the store efficiently. 

• No More Dev Docs

The developer’s documentation will also be removed from the website for the obsolete versions of Magento. Hence, the developers will no longer be able to access these docs when in dire need while troubleshooting or implementing new features on the eCommerce store.

The pivotal issues that Magento 2.3 EoL poses to concerned eCommerce store owners are the end of support, vulnerability to security threats, and PCI compliance issues. The most effective way to counter these issues is to plan to upgrade to Magento 2.4. While the eCommerce store on Magento 2.3 can still collaborate with third-party vendors for much-needed support, but that would be expensive in the long term. Eventually, upgrading will be the only viable solution. The longer these stores wait, the riskier and more costly running the online store will become. But what are the actual benefits of upgradation, the store owners might ask.

The most crucial reason to opt for Magento 2.4 before April 28, 2022, is to keep your online store performing at its peak while protecting against the latest security threats. Most of the bugs and issues that retailers face while on Magento 2.3 have been successfully resolved in the new version. Adding to the continued unhindered support, Magento 2.4 will give its users access to a multitude of new features and advancements. Some of these are:

• Thirty-three new security fixes.

• Several hundred issues resolved from Magento 2.3 core code. 

• Supports PHP 7+ versions to improve the platform’s core strength.

• Contains code updates to enhance API performance and Admin response time to help deploy massive catalogs.

• Changes in payment mechanisms, including Paypal Javascript SDK being updated in Magento 2.4.

• Enhanced logic for invalidating customer data sections.

• Because of the New Media Gallery, the administrator can search, sort, and filter photographs 30X faster. 

• Updated user interface with an integrated Adobe Stock. 

• In-store pickup and bundle products are available to support multi-store modes.
• Headless Commerce & PWA Development .

To know why to upgrade to Magento 2.4 in detail, you can refer to the previous blog, Top 11 Reasons to Upgrade to Magento 2.4.

It is normal to feel the upgrading as an inconvenience and feel overwhelmed about the whole process. Krish is there to help you end-to-end throughout the upgradation to Magento 2.4. We would be more than happy to pen down your needs and business requirements and devise a plan accordingly. We suggest you not wait until the point of no return and start the process as soon as possible.