A new major version of PrestaShop — 9.0 — has been released. This isn't just another update, but a strategic shift to a modern architecture that redefines how online stores are built and managed.
After more than two years of development with active community involvement, the result is a platform ready to meet the demands of the next decade.
Why It Matters for Store Owners
PrestaShop 9 introduces significant technological and user-focused improvements that benefit not only developers but also business owners:
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Faster — improved front office and back office performance
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More secure — enhanced data protection and optimized architecture
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More flexible — redesigned API and support for modern standards
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Future-ready — compatible with PHP 8.4, Symfony 6.4, and a modular structure
⚠️ Note: As with any major update, modules and themes should be tested. But the upgrade is worth the effort — you gain a platform that grows with your business.
Key Changes in Version 9
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Symfony 6.4 LTS — a solid foundation supported through 2027
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PHP 8.1 – 8.4 — improved performance and modern syntax
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New Admin API — integrations, automation, scalability
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Hummingbird Theme — a clean, modern front-end base
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Fully redesigned back office — now built with Symfony
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SEO and performance improvements — faster, cleaner, easier
A New Standard: Symfony 6.4 and PHP 8.4
The jump from Symfony 4.4 to 6.4 brings:
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A more robust and secure architecture
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Better performance and lower server load
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Cleaner code and reduced technical debt
PHP 8.4 support means access to the latest libraries and smoother future upgrades.
Admin API: Foundation for Automation and Integration
The new Admin API enables:
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ERP, CRM, and marketing tool integrations
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Automation of tasks that used to be manual
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Expanded admin capabilities with minimal effort
This is key to scaling and building smarter online stores.
Hummingbird: A Modern Front-End Theme
This theme is more than a redesign — it lays the groundwork for future interfaces:
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Built with Bootstrap 5 + TypeScript = flexibility and responsiveness
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Dark mode and CSS modular architecture
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Fewer dependencies, more styling control
Developers will find it easier to customize; customers will enjoy a faster, more seamless experience.
Additional Improvements
Front Office:
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Support for WebP and AVIF for faster image loading
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Notification if a product is already in the cart
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Optimized for stores with large product catalogs
SEO:
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Cleaner URLs without language prefixes
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Support for 301/302 redirects for inactive categories
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Filtered pages excluded from indexing per SEO best practices
Back Office:
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Fully migrated to Symfony with a new UI
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Manual creation of guest customers
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Enhanced tracking and control of module actions
Security:
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Debug mode restricted by cookie
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Randomized table prefixes by default
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Direct file access protection for PHP files
How to Upgrade
The new Update Assistant simplifies the process:
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Step-by-step setup with backup options
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CLI mode for power users and automation
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Compatibility checks and detailed logs
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Comprehensive documentation and support
PrestaShop 9 is more than a typical release. It's a leap to a next-gen platform. Whether you're a store owner or just getting started, version 9 is an investment in stability, scalability, and competitive advantage.
Strong architecture, modern APIs, a flexible new theme, and enhanced security make PrestaShop 9 a solid foundation for growing your ecommerce business.
