Earlier this year, we shared that the PHP core team had announced some changes to their update timeline, which resulted in security support for PHP 8.1 being extended by one year to December 31, 2025. As we wrap up 2024 and begin planning for 2025, we want to ensure your team incorporates this update into your roadmap for next year.
In keeping with previous PHP updates, VIP is committed to ensuring all customers have updated to PHP 8.2 before the PHP deadline (December 31, 2025) so that there is no risk to your application’s security. Below, you will find VIP’s new & confirmed 2025 PHP update timeline. Please note: this timeline differs from the tentative one previously shared.
If customers have not updated their environments by the dates outlined, VIP will update the environments on the customer’s behalf. Please note that any updates VIP makes could result in issues if the proper customer testing has not been completed. If issues arise, we’ll do our best to assist where we can, but we ask that you please test and deploy the update ahead of this schedule to avoid any interruptions. This update cannot be deferred, and VIP is here to support you and your team as you work toward it.
VIP timeline for environments not yet on PHP 8.2
Monday, November 17, 2025
VIP Updates Non-Production Environments to PHP 8.2
VIP will begin updating all non-production environments that are not yet on PHP 8.2. We are proceeding with non-production environments first to provide customers time to address any issues that arise as a result of the update, before updating production environments.
Monday, December 8, 2025
VIP Updates Production Environments to PHP 8.2
VIP will begin updating all production environments that are not yet on PHP 8.2. After this date, working with your teams on post-update issues will be the priority.
Earlier PHP Version Options Removed
The option to select PHP version 8.1 will be removed from the software management tool.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
PHP 8.1 End of Life
Security support for PHP 8.1 ends.
Let VIP do the heavy lifting!
Instead of the do-it-yourself approach, focus on your key priorities while our experienced staff manage, validate, and implement your PHP update for you with the specific needs of your applications in mind. Maximize your team’s resources, improve site stability, and unlock peace of mind with our Upgrade Assurance service. This is a popular new service that we offer for both WordPress and PHP updates, so we recommend securing your spot early. If you’re interested in learning more, please connect with your Relationship Manager or reach out to our Support Team.
Helpful resources
Support
VIP is here to help along the way, and our Support team is always available to answer questions as you and your team work through the update. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Tooling
Your application’s software versions can be managed directly by you in the VIP Dashboard.
Documentation
We have helpful documentation available to guide you through preparing your application code for a PHP update.
PHP 8.4 is available!
In case you missed it, VIP announced the availability of PHP 8.4, last month. We strongly encourage your team to stay ahead of the PHP update curve and begin testing and updating to PHP 8.3 or 8.4 in the year ahead.
Future PHP end-of-life dates
To better plan for the road ahead, please be aware of the current security support end-of-life (EOL) schedule for the different PHP versions. These dates are pulled from the official PHP schedule here. VIP will continue to post to the Lobby with our updated timeline for each year, which will likely follow the same outline as shared above, wrapping up a few weeks ahead of the PHP date.
