In May, we announced that PHP 8.0 was now available on WordPress VIP environments. Since then, we’ve been excited to see many customers testing this version on their child environments, while other customers have completed the update to PHP 8.0 on their production sites.
WordPress VIP wants to ensure that every customer is supported along their PHP 8.0 update path and that no one scrambles toward the finish line. To aid your planning, take note of the key dates below. The timeline provides high-level milestones for WordPress VIP customers to keep everyone on track and mitigate potential risks as early as possible.
WordPress VIP Update Timeline
While Nov. 28, 2022 is the date PHP 7.4 will stop receiving security updates, WordPress VIP will begin updating any customer not yet on PHP 8.0 on Monday, Nov. 15, in an effort to minimize risk of security vulnerabilities. Please review the timeline below, and reach out to your Technical Account Manager or our support team with questions.
MONDAY, AUG. 1, 2022
All new environments are created on PHP 8.0
Existing customers begin creating any new environments on PHP 8.0. If you have an upcoming project in preparation, work with your Technical Account Manager, who will help you incorporate this into your planning. If you have questions or concerns, create a ticket with our support team. If you’re a Premier customer, your account team is already aware of this timeline and can also answer questions.
*New customers have already begun launching their sites on PHP 8.0.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 15, 2022
Customer check-in: All non-updated customers
Customers who have not yet updated all environments to PHP 8.0 receive communication inquiring about a target migration date. The goal is to help us understand potential risks and make sure you’re on your way to a successful update.
MONDAY, OCT. 17, 2022
30 days from deadline: Customers planned for VIP update
WordPress VIP begins formalizing a plan to update customers who have not updated to PHP 8.0 and who have not provided a target date for updating in advance of Nov. 15. We will reach out to customers with next steps and flag potential risks.
Note: Customers updated by WordPress VIP will not have a rollback option. Issues related to the update will be the responsibility of the customer to address and solve.
TUESDAY, NOV. 1, 2022
Last day to roll back to PHP 7.4
Our goal is to have all WordPress VIP customers updated to PHP 8.0 before Nov. 1. After this date, working with your teams on post-update issues will be the priority.
TUESDAY, NOV. 15, 2022
WordPress VIP updates any customer applications not yet on PHP 8.0.
How to prepare your WordPress site for PHP 8
If you’re just getting started, but have more questions than answers, we’ve got you covered. Our resident PHP expert, Gary Jones, Engineering Lead for Premier customers, has written a comprehensive outline covering everything from a PHP 8.0 overview and getting started, to looking for compatibility issues and considerations around PHP 8.1. Even if you have a finalized PHP 8.0 plan, it’s a great resource to review to make sure you’re covered.
How to prepare your WordPress VIP site for PHP 8.0
Related VIP Documentation:
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