PrestaShop 9 is the newest major version of PrestaShop, and the 9.1 releases are now available. For store owners on PrestaShop 8 or older, the question is not only what is new, but also when is the right moment to upgrade.
The most important changes
A newer technical foundation
PrestaShop is built on the Symfony framework. PrestaShop 8 still uses Symfony 4.4, while PrestaShop 9 moves to Symfony 6.4. That sounds technical, but it matters: it keeps PrestaShop on a supported foundation and allows it to run on modern PHP versions.
Modern PHP
Together with the new foundation, PrestaShop 9 requires a modern PHP 8 version. Older PHP versions that many PrestaShop 1.7 stores still run on are not supported. Check with your host which PHP versions are available before you plan an upgrade.
A new admin API
PrestaShop 9 includes a new admin API. It gives developers a cleaner way to connect external systems, such as an ERP, warehouse or marketplace tool, to the back-office.
Further back-office modernisation
More back-office pages have moved to the newer Symfony-based architecture that started in PrestaShop 1.7. For you as a store owner this mostly means a more consistent back-office; for developers it means modules may need adjustments.
What it means for your modules and theme
This is where most upgrades become complex:
- Modules that use older techniques or overrides may need an update from their developer, or an adjustment.
- Themes made for PrestaShop 1.7 or 8 usually need checking and sometimes changes.
- Custom code in overrides should be reviewed, because the code it extends may have changed.
Should you upgrade now?
A few questions help you decide:
- Are your most important modules available for PrestaShop 9? Check payment, shipping and invoicing modules first.
- Does your host offer the required PHP version?
- Which version are you on now? From 8.x the step is smaller than from 1.6 or 1.7.
- Is there a quiet period in which you can test and switch over?
If several answers are still unclear, start with an inventory of your store. That gives you a clear picture of the work before you commit to anything.
Need help with the upgrade?
We check your modules, theme and customisations against PrestaShop 9, carry out the upgrade on a staging copy and only go live when orders, payments and shipping work again. Read more about our upgrade service or ask us a question.
Sources
- PrestaShop releases on GitHub – release notes of PrestaShop 8 and 9
- PrestaShop developer documentation – system requirements and upgrade notes
- Symfony releases – support periods of Symfony 4.4 and 6.4
