The latest PHP version is PHP 8.5 (8.5.12, released October 21, 2026). PHP 8.5 and 8.4 get active support; 8.3 and 8.2 get security fixes only, and PHP 8.2 reaches end of life on December 31, 2026. PHP 8.1 and older no longer get updates.
Every PHP version and its end-of-life date
| Version | Status today | Security fixes until | Latest release | PHP2Shell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHP 8.5 | Active support | December 31, 2029 | 8.5.12 | Fixed in 8.5.12 |
| PHP 8.4 | Active support | December 31, 2028 | 8.4.27 | Fixed in 8.4.27 |
| PHP 8.3 | Security fixes only | December 31, 2027 | 8.3.36 | Fixed in 8.3.36 |
| PHP 8.2 | Security fixes only | December 31, 2026 | 8.2.35 | Fixed in 8.2.35 |
| PHP 8.1 | End of life | December 31, 2025 | 8.1.34 | Source-code fix only |
| PHP 8.0 | End of life | November 26, 2023 | 8.0.30 | Source-code fix only |
| PHP 7.4 | End of life | November 28, 2022 | 7.4.33 | Source-code fix only |
| PHP 7.3 | End of life | December 6, 2021 | 7.3.33 | No fix |
| PHP 7.2 | End of life | November 30, 2020 | 7.2.34 | No fix |
| PHP 7.1 | End of life | December 1, 2019 | 7.1.33 | No fix |
| PHP 7.0 | End of life | January 10, 2019 | 7.0.33 | No fix |
| PHP 5.6 | End of life | December 31, 2018 | 5.6.40 | No fix |
Which PHP version should my website use?
The newest version your platform, theme and plugins support: today that's PHP 8.4 or 8.5 for most sites. Since 2024, each PHP version gets 2 years of active support and 2 more of security fixes, ending on December 31. Plan an upgrade at least once every 2 years, and apply the small security releases (like 8.2.35, 8.3.36, 8.4.27, 8.5.12) as they come out.
What end of life means for a website
When a PHP version reaches end of life, PHP stops publishing fixes for it. The site keeps working, but new security flaws stay open. PHP2Shell is an example: PHP shipped fixed releases for 8.2 and newer, and only a source-code fix for 7.4, 8.0 and 8.1.
- Active support: bug fixes and security fixes, with regular releases.
- Security fixes only: releases only when a security flaw is fixed.
- End of life: no releases at all.
Questions people ask
What is the latest PHP version?
PHP 8.5, currently 8.5.12. It gets active support until December 31, 2027 and security fixes until December 31, 2029.
Which PHP versions are still supported?
PHP 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5. PHP 8.1 reached end of life on December 31, 2025.
How do I check my PHP version?
Enter your address in PHP Scanner to see what your server reports, or look in WordPress under Tools, then Site Health, then Info and Server. How to check your PHP version covers the rest.
Do I need the newest PHP version?
You need a supported version on its latest release. The newest line isn't required, but staying within the supported ones means you keep getting security fixes.
Sources
- PHP: Supported versions
- PHP: Unsupported branches (end of life)
- PHP: security release announcement, October 21, 2026
Checked against these sources on October 22, 2026. PHP Scanner is a free tool from Catch Digital and is not affiliated with the PHP project.