On 12th April 2022, Adobe released a new version of the Adobe Commerce application, Magento 2.4.4.
It’s a bit different to previous versions of Magento and many changes will be a cause for celebration by store owners, developers, and site users – and not necessarily for the same reasons!
Here’s seven fast facts about this latest release to summarise what’s included, the latest features and platform enhancements and why Magento 2.4.4 should ultimately maximise performance and security… if you schedule your Magento upgrade in time.
Fact 1. PHP 8.1 Support – Finally
Adobe Commerce has finally included full support for PHP 8.1. Bearing in mind that PHP 8.1. has been available since November 2020, this feels a little late but at least now Magento stores can experience improved performance and better Search Engine Optimisation as a result.
Fact 2. Performance Enhancements – Time is Money
Speed is king when it comes to Google rankings, and Magento 2.4.4 doesn’t disappoint. Several changes have ultimately made upgraded Magento websites faster. Website performance is a key focus for this latest release including six times faster order processing and an AsyncOrder feature and skipping the inventory check to improve checkout time.
Fact 3. Out with Vendor Bundles Extensions – Now you Choose
All third-party extensions except the Braintree payment method have been removed so that a Magento development agency can install the latest version of an extension straight from the Adobe marketplace without waiting for a Magento upgrade. The previous automatic inclusion of extensions slowed down performance and meant developers had to spend time removing unwanted extensions to improve an application’s speed.
Fact 4. Security Improvements – Safer by Far
Various security updates with Magento 2.4.4 have dramatically improved system safety including no longer storing user session IDs in the database and encrypted password and access tokens. In addition, voucher code forms now have ReCAPTCHA support, there are essential APIsecurityimprovements and non-alphanumeric file extensions can no longer be uploaded to the system.
Fact 5. Better Performance – Rather than Bells and Whistles
This latest upgrade firmly focusses on performance rather than exciting new features. It’s more stable and secure and PHP 8.1 is 25% faster so code can be processed quicker. Magento 2.4.4 addresses what’s really important to merchants and consumers.
Fact 6. Support Deadline – Be Ready
Magento 2 users must upgrade to 2.4.4 by November 2022. Adobe will discontinue support of 2.4.3 after this date in line with PHP version 7.x support. Earlier versions will then become vulnerable.
Fact 7. Cost of Ownership – It’s Cheaper
Owning a Magento Adobe Commerce website will now cost less as Adobe will release just two major upgrades each year so it will be cheaper to maintain your Magento store.
Ultimately, it’s a Matter of Urgency. Act Now.
In short, Magento 2.4.4 quite rightly fixes core bugs and issues with the platform, which have been a frustration amongst developers, rather than focussing on new, exciting features.
The bug fixes will also satisfy Magento store users, and the improved speed will increase Google rankings, site performance and overall checkout conversions.
But the clock is ticking to get this upgrade complete before the cut-off date of November 2022 when Magento 2.4.3 is no longer supported. A trusted, experienced Adobe Solution Partner agency can help to assess your requirements and schedule in a plan to deliver before the deadline.
And a final word of advice. There are “backward-incompatible changes” in Magento 2.4.4, meaning it’s very likely that some of your extensions are not going to work with this latest upgrade. Make a list of your extensions before you contact your Magento developer.
