WordPress continues to evolve, and that sometimes means saying goodbye to outdated technology. In April 2026, WordPress will officially end support for PHP 7.2 and 7.3. This change will be implemented in WordPress 7.0 and has direct implications for websites that are still running on older PHP versions.
For many website owners, this raises important questions. Is PHP 7.2 still available at all? Which PHP version is the right choice for WordPress today? And is PHP as a programming language still relevant in 2025?
What exactly does ending support for PHP 7.2 and 7.3 mean?
When WordPress ends support, it means these PHP versions will no longer receive updates, security patches or compatibility guarantees. Plugins, themes and future WordPress updates will no longer be tested on PHP 7.2 and 7.3.
This makes websites more vulnerable to security risks and technical errors, especially once hosting providers permanently disable these versions as well.
Is PHP version 7.2 no longer available?
In practice, PHP 7.2 has largely been phased out. Official support from PHP itself ended years ago, and many hosting providers now offer this version only in a limited capacity or no longer at all.
Even if your hosting provider still technically allows it, using PHP 7.2 is strongly discouraged due to security risks and performance limitations. WordPress is therefore aligning with a transition that has been underway for quite some time.
Which PHP version is recommended for WordPress?
For WordPress websites, PHP 8.0 or 8.1 is currently the most reliable choice. These versions offer improved performance, enhanced security and active support. Important to keep in mind:
- Not every plugin is automatically compatible with PHP 8.
- An update always requires testing in a staging environment.
- A well-maintained website can usually upgrade without any issues.
Is PHP still relevant in 2025?
Yes, absolutely. PHP remains the backbone of WordPress, which powers more than 40% of all websites worldwide. In 2025 and beyond, PHP continues to play a key role in web development. New PHP versions focus strongly on:
- Performance improvements.
- Stricter error handling.
- Enhanced security.
Is PHP 7 outdated?
The PHP 7 branch is largely end-of-life. This does not mean PHP itself is unusable, but older subversions such as 7.2 and 7.3 no longer meet modern standards. If you are still running PHP 7, you risk plugins no longer functioning properly, updates causing errors and security vulnerabilities emerging.
What does this mean for your WordPress website?
If you are still using PHP 7.2 or 7.3, it is wise to take action now. Waiting until April 2026 increases the risk of issues, especially with automatic updates.
A controlled upgrade to a newer PHP version helps prevent downtime and ensures your website remains future-proof. This is often the ideal moment to review your plugins, theme and WordPress core for performance, security and compatibility.
Why looking ahead now is a smart move
Technical debt accumulates faster than you think. By upgrading now, you avoid last-minute fixes later and ensure your website continues to perform, remains secure and is fully prepared for future WordPress updates.
Would you like to explore this further or understand what it means for your website? Learn more about our approach to WordPress websites and discover how we keep websites technically sound and future-ready.
