TYPO3 Development Roadmap: Version Support & Updates

The TYPO3 Roadmap acts as a guide, helping you stay ahead of updates, security fixes, and new features. Understanding TYPO3's future plans will help you make smarter decisions.

In this guide, we'll break down the TYPO3 Roadmap, version support cycles, and explain why they are important. Let's get started!

The TYPO3 Roadmap is a structured plan that outlines the future of TYPO3 including upcoming releases, feature updates, and support timelines. It provides a clear outline for when new versions will be released, how long they will be maintained, and when they will reach their end of life.

TYPO3 follows a predictable release cycle, ensuring that businesses, TYPO3 developers, and TYPO3 agencies can plan upgrades in advance. Each major version comes with a Long-Term Support (LTS) release, which guarantees three years of free updates for security and bug fixes. After that, an Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS) option is available for those who need additional time before upgrading.

By following the TYPO3 roadmap, users can:

• Plan TYPO3 upgrades without disruption to their websites.
• Stay secure by knowing when their version will stop receiving TYPO3 updates.
• Take advantage of new features as soon as they are available.

The TYPO3 Roadmap is essential for businesses to ensure stability, security, and long-term success for anyone using the TYPO3 CMS.

Each TYPO3 versions requires a specific PHP and database version to function properly. Using the correct versions ensures compatibility, security, and performance.

Notes:

• LTS (Long-Term Support): Each LTS version receives official TYPO3 support and maintenance for approximately three years from its release date.
• ELTS (Extended Long-Term Support): After the LTS period, TYPO3 versions may enter an ELTS phase, offering extended support for an additional three years for any organization and up to four years for official partners.

Source: https://www.t3versions.com/trends

SSL Adoption:

• 2018: 60% of TYPO3 sites implemented SSL.
• 2020: Increased to 75%.
• 2022: Reached 85%.
• 2024: 90% of sites now use SSL.

Security Headers Implementation:

• 2018: 25% of TYPO3 websites utilized security headers.
• 2020: Rose to 35%.
• 2022: Climbed to 45%.
• 2024: 55% adoption rate.

Composer Usage:

• 2018: 15% of TYPO3 projects used Composer.
• 2020: Increased to 30%.
• 2022: Reached 40%.
• 2024: 50% of projects now utilize Composer.

If you're still using TYPO3 v10 or older, consider upgrading soon to avoid security risks and compatibility issues.

TYPO3 employs a predictable release cycle that introduces a new Long-Term Support (LTS) version approximately every 18 months. This structured approach ensures that TYPO3 users benefit from regular TYPO3 updates, security enhancements, and new features.

Key Aspects of TYPO3's Release Cycle:

• Regular LTS Releases: Every 18 months, TYPO3 introduces a new LTS version. For example, TYPO3 version 13.4 LTSwas released on October 15, 2024, with support extending until December 2027.
• Three Years of Free Support: Each LTS version receives three years of complimentary support, encompassing bug fixes and security updates. This ensures that websites remain stable and secure throughout this period.
• Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS): After the initial three-year support period, TYPO3 offers an ELTS program, allowing users to extend support for up to an additional four years. This means a TYPO3 version can be maintained for up to seven years without necessitating a major TYPO3 upgrade.

TYPO3 ensures that every Long-Term Support (LTS) version gets proper maintenance for a defined period, helping users keep their websites secure and stable. Once the standard support period ends, Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS) is available for those who need extra time before upgrading.

Maintenance for LTS Versions

Each LTS version of TYPO3 receives:

• Bug Fixes and Improvements: Regular updates address any issues and improve performance.
• Security Updates: TYPO3 releases security patches as needed to keep websites protected.

For example, TYPO3 v13 LTS (released in October 2024) will receive free maintenance and security updates until December 2027.

Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS)

Once the free support period ends, TYPO3 offers ELTS, which extends security updates and maintenance for up to three to four more years. This is useful for businesses that need more time before switching to a newer version.

For example, if TYPO3 v12 LTS reaches the end of its standard support in October 2025, users can opt for ELTS and continue receiving updates beyond that date.

This structured support system ensures TYPO3 users always have a clear plan for keeping their websites updated and secure.

NOTE:"To continue receiving updates beyond the standard TYPO3 support period, organizations need to subscribe to the ELTS program. This subscription ensures ongoing security and compatibility updates for their TYPO3 installations."

As of March 2025, the latest stable version of TYPO3 is v12.x, released in April 2023. This version offers the most recent features, performance enhancements, and security updates. It is actively maintained and receives regular community support.

Support Status of TYPO3 Versions:

• TYPO3 v12.x: Active community support with regular updates.
• TYPO3 v11.x: Community support is expected to end in October 2024.
• TYPO3 v10.x and earlier: No longer under community support; Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS) may be available for some versions.

Recommendations:

• New Projects: It's advisable to start with TYPO3 v12.x to ensure access to the latest features and ongoing support.
• Existing Projects:
  • If you're using TYPO3 v11.x, plan an upgrade to TYPO3 v12.x before October 2024 to continue receiving community support.
  • For versions v10.x and older, consider upgrading to a supported TYPO3 version or exploring ELTS options to maintain security and functionality.

Regularly updating your TYPO3 installation aligns with best practices for security and performance, ensuring your website remains robust and up-to-date.

Developer Note:"Always use the latest LTS version (currently TYPO3 v13) for optimal security and features."

The TYPO3 Roadmap provides a structured approach to software updates, ensuring that businesses and developers always have a clear path forward. With predictable LTS releases, security updates, and extended support options, TYPO3 allows you to build a website that evolves with time, rather than becoming outdated. While planning your TYPO3 upgrades, it's also worth exploring enhancements that can improve site performance — for instance, integrating advanced search with TYPO3 Solr, which brings fast, intelligent search capabilities to TYPO3 websites.

At NITSAN, we help businesses stay ahead by offering expert TYPO3 upgrades, custom TYPO3 development, and long-term support. With years of experience in TYPO3 solutions, we ensure your website remains secure, optimized, and future-ready.