A Magento version upgrade requires careful handling. Each version brings security patches, performance improvements, and new features – but also potential compatibility issues with your customisations and extensions. Professional handling minimises risk.
Illuminise delivers Magento version upgrade services that UK businesses trust. We plan carefully, test thoroughly, and deploy safely to keep your store running.
Understanding Magento Version Upgrades
Minor Version Upgrades
Updates within the same major version (e.g., 2.4.5 to 2.4.6) include bug fixes, security patches, and incremental improvements. These generally maintain backward compatibility but still need testing.
Major Version Upgrades
Updates between major versions (e.g., 2.3 to 2.4) include significant changes that may break customisations and extensions. These require more extensive planning and testing.
Security Patch Updates
Adobe releases security patches between versions. These targeted updates address specific vulnerabilities and should be applied promptly.
Our Version Upgrade Process
- Version Assessment – Document your current version and identify the optimal target version
- Compatibility Check – Review all customisations and extensions for version compatibility
- Upgrade Path – Determine whether direct upgrade is possible or intermediate versions needed
- Development Upgrade – Perform upgrade in isolated environment first
- Extension Updates – Update or replace extensions as needed for compatibility
- Custom Code Updates – Modify customisations to work with new version
- Testing – Comprehensive testing of all functionality
- Production Deployment – Safe deployment with rollback capability
Why Version Upgrades Matter
Staying current with Magento versions is important for several reasons:
- Security – Older versions stop receiving security patches
- Performance – Newer versions include optimisations
- Features – Access to new functionality
- Support – Adobe phases out support for older versions
- Compatibility – Extensions increasingly require newer versions
- PHP Requirements – Older Magento needs older PHP versions reaching end-of-life
Common Version Upgrade Challenges
Deprecated Features
Magento deprecates features between versions. Code relying on deprecated functionality needs updating.
Extension Incompatibility
Not all extension vendors keep pace with Magento versions. Some extensions need replacing.
Database Migrations
Schema changes between versions require careful data migration.
Theme Updates
Frontend themes may need updates to work with new Magento versions.
Who Benefits from Version Upgrades
Our version upgrade service suits businesses that:
- Run older Magento versions needing update
- Want security and performance benefits of newer versions
- Lack in-house expertise for safe upgrades
- Need thorough testing before going live
- Cannot afford upgrade-related downtime
Who This Is Not For
We may not be the right fit if you:
- Have experienced in-house upgrade capability
- Run vanilla Magento with no customisations
- Prioritise lowest cost over safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Magento version should we upgrade to?
Generally the latest stable version. We assess your specific situation and recommend the best target version based on your requirements and compatibility factors.
Can we skip versions in the upgrade?
Sometimes. It depends on your starting version and the changes between versions. We determine the optimal path during assessment.
How long do version upgrades take?
Minor upgrades may take 1-2 weeks. Major upgrades with many customisations can take 4-8 weeks. We provide realistic timelines after assessment.
What about our customisations?
We review and update all customisations to work with the new version. Functionality is preserved while ensuring compatibility.
Will there be downtime?
We minimise downtime by working in staging first. Production cutover typically requires a maintenance window of a few hours.
Plan Your Version Upgrade
Book a discovery call to discuss your current version and upgrade requirements.