Magento | Addobe Commerce 11 Sep , 2023 Magento Update to version 2.4.6: Key Improvements & Features Valdis Strautiņš The latest Magento update, version 2.4.6, brings exciting opportunities for the community to actively participate in shaping the platform’s core code. In response to the community’s valuable input, Magento introduced a voting system where users could voice their preferences on specific issues they wanted to see addressed. Through this collaborative effort, ten essential items were selected and included in the core code, ensuring that Magento remains aligned with the needs and expectations of its user base. Among the notable enhancements, this update focuses on improving key functionalities such as category tree processing and customer segments. By involving the community in decision-making processes, Magento empowers its users with a sense of ownership and fosters an environment where their voices are heard. This blog post will delve into the significance of community involvement in shaping Magento’s core code and explore how these updates enhance category tree processing and customer segmentation capabilities. PHP Support in Magento update Magento 2.4.6 introduces updated PHP support, catering to the needs of developers and system integrators. Previously, Magento 2.4.4 marked the first version that supported PHP 8.1 while maintaining backward compatibility with PHP 7.4, enabling a seamless transition for those migrating from PHP 7 to PHP 8 without code updates. However, it’s important to note that Magento 2.4.5 no longer supports PHP 7.4 due to the end of PHP support. With the release of Magento 2.4.6, the focus shifted entirely towards supporting only PHP 8.1 and 8.2. If your store has not been upgraded yet, you can utilize the php-compatible checker module available on GitHub by Algentos. By adhering to these guidelines and leveraging Magento’s enhanced PHP support in version 2.4.6, you can optimize your online store’s performance while staying up-to-date with industry standards. Service updates: Updated technology stack including Elasticsearch 7.x, Redis 6.x, MySQL 8.x, etc. OpenSearch is now the default catalog search. Composer 1 support has also been removed. Redis, Elasticsearch, and Maria DB are updated with backward compatibility. JQuerry Migrate has finally been removed. The latest update of Magento (version 2.4.6) brings several significant service updates. Let’s take a look at the key improvements: Magento Updated the technology stack Magento 2.4.6 introduces an updated technology stack to enhance performance and security. This includes upgrading to Elasticsearch 7.x for improved search functionality, Redis 6.x for caching optimization, and MySQL 8.x for enhanced database capabilities. Default catalog search With this update, OpenSearch becomes the default catalog search engine in Magento. OpenSearch offers advanced search capabilities that help improve the overall user experience and make it easier for customers to find products quickly. Removal of Composer 1 support In line with keeping up with modern development practices, Magento has removed support for Composer version 1 in this update. It is recommended to upgrade to Composer version 2 for seamless integration with Magento extensions and dependencies. Built-in SMPT functionality in Magento update 2.4.6 Finally, with the Magento 2.4.6 update, merchants can now add their custom SMPT providers directly within the admin settings. This eliminates the need for third-party modules and simplifies the process of configuring email delivery. Merchants can easily configure their custom SMPT provider by accessing the admin panel and navigating to the “Stores” tab. From there, they can select “Configuration” and locate the “Sales” section. Within this section, they will find the “Sales Emails” option where they can specify their preferred SMPT provider. To start using Magento 2.4.6 built-in SMTP functionality. In the admin panel go to STORES -> CONFIGURATION -> ADVENCED -> SYSTEM will be section Mail Sending Settings. Change the Transport option from Sendmail to SMTP and enter your SMTP credentials. After that test it out with just new user registration. Page Builder One of the key highlights of the page builder in Magento 2.4.6 is its ability to bulk import images. This means that you can quickly upload multiple images at once, saving you valuable time and effort when building your pages. Moreover, Adobe Commerce/Magento 2.4.6 seamlessly integrates with Page Builder v1.7.3 and PWA Studio v13.0.x, providing a robust platform for creating engaging web experiences. Performance Enhancements in this Magento update Updated GraphQL One of the notable improvements is in the updated GraphQL, which offers faster and more efficient data retrieval. With this update, merchants can experience improved response times when querying products in categories with category permissions enabled. Improved Category Tree Rendering in GraphQL The rendering performance of the category tree in GraphQL has been significantly improved with Magento 2.4.6. Merchants will notice faster loading times when navigating through categories using GraphQL APIs. This enhancement enhances the overall browsing experience on their online stores. Enhanced Response Time for Bulk Cart Operations via GraphQL Another area where performance has been enhanced is bulk cart operations through GraphQL. With Magento 2.4.6, merchants can expect improved response times when performing bulk actions on their customers’ shopping carts using GraphQL APIs. This enhancement streamlines the checkout process and ensures a seamless shopping experience. Custom Load Balancing Configuration To handle a high volume of orders efficiently, Magento 2.4.6 introduces a custom load-balancing configuration. By utilizing MySQL and Redis instances, this configuration enables the platform to process up to 1,000 orders within minutes. This enhancement ensures enhanced performance and smoother order processing for merchants. The latest update of Magento 2.4.6 brings several performance enhancements that enhance the platform’s speed and efficiency. From updated GraphQL capabilities to optimized category tree rendering, these improvements contribute to an enhanced user experience for both merchants and customers alike. Bug fixes in Magento update The latest update of Magento 2.4.6 brings good news to users with its extensive bug fixes and quality improvements. With over 300 hundred bug fixes, this new version addresses a wide range of issues, ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience for users. One notable highlight of the update is the inclusion of eight larger security updates. These security fixes have also will be backported to Magento 2.4.5-p2 and 2.4.4-p3 versions. Magento Accessibility Changes Magento 2.4.6 update brings about significant accessibility changes, driven by an EU law and aimed at enhancing user experience for individuals with disabilities. These changes encompass various aspects, including screen reader improvements, keyboard input updates, checkout workflow enhancements, and page controls. To ensure better accessibility for visually impaired users, the update introduces several advancements in screen reader functionality. This enables a more seamless browsing experience by providing clearer and more accurate vocalized descriptions of on-screen elements. Keyboard input updates have also been implemented to facilitate easier navigation and interaction within the Magento platform. With improved keyboard support, users can swiftly access different sections and perform actions without relying on a mouse or other pointing devices. The checkout workflow has undergone modifications to streamline the purchasing process for all users. By optimizing the flow and removing unnecessary steps, Magento 2.4.6 enhances the overall accessibility of the checkout experience. Furthermore, page controls have been refined to offer greater usability to individuals with disabilities. The update includes new settings that allow customization of catalog and category permissions, empowering merchants to tailor their online stores according to specific accessibility requirements. By addressing these accessibility concerns through its latest update, Magento 2.4.6 demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity while ensuring compatibility with EU regulations. These changes not only enhance user experience but also contribute to the scalability and response times of Magento-powered websites. Is it worth to upgrade Magento 2.4.6? By upgrading to Magento 2.4.6, businesses can take advantage of these improvements, ensuring their online stores are equipped with enhanced features, better security measures, and improved overall performance. Note: Please ensure that this content is reviewed by an editor before publishing as it was generated by an AI language model (GPT-3) and may contain errors or require additional refinement based on specific guidelines or requirements provided by your organization or publication style guide. FAQs Can I upgrade directly from an older version of Magento to 2.4.6? Yes, you can upgrade directly from certain older versions of Magento to version 2.4.6 using the provided upgrade scripts or tools available in the official documentation. But it should be done by developers. Will my custom extensions be compatible with Magento 2.4.6? It depends on the compatibility of your custom extensions with the new version of Magento. It is advisable to check with extension developers or consult their documentation for compatibility information before proceeding with the upgrade. How long does it take to upgrade to Magento 2.4.6? The time required for upgrading to Magento 2.4.6 may vary depending on factors such as your current setup complexity, customization level, database size, and server resources available for migration tasks. Is it necessary to test my website after the Magento update? Yes, it is crucial to thoroughly test your website after upgrading to ensure that all functionalities and customizations work as expected. This helps identify any compatibility issues or unexpected behavior that may have arisen during the upgrade process. Can I revert to my previous version if I encounter issues after the Magento update? While it is possible to roll back to a previous version, it is recommended to create a backup of your website before proceeding with the upgrade. Reverting to an older version may require restoring the backup and performing additional steps, so it’s best to consult Magento’s official documentation or seek professional assistance if needed.