Pimcore: Time to Upgrade / New Interface and License Change
On April 29, 2025, Pimcore announced important changes that will affect all companies using this platform. A new user interface, new licensing rules, and clearly defined terms for future development – all of this makes it worth taking a closer look at what it means for your organization.
Below we present the most important changes – in a simple and practical way.
New Pimcore Studio UI Interface
What Is Pimcore Studio UI and Why Should You Know About It?
Pimcore Studio UI is a completely new user interface that replaces the previous one based on ExtJS technology. The new frontend has been designed with modern business needs in mind: greater flexibility, speed, and ease of use.
Key benefits:
- A modern and intuitive interface – also ideal for non-technical users
- Flexible workspaces – each user can customize their work environment
- Responsiveness – the interface runs smoothly on desktop, tablet, and phone
- Speed and performance – fast data loading and optimized navigation
When Does Support for the Current Version of Pimcore End?
- Autumn 2025 – end of support for Community Edition version 11
- December 2026 – end of support for Classic UI
If your company is still using version 11 – now is the time to plan an upgrade to v12, which introduces the new Studio UI interface and ensures full support.
Pimcore 2025 License Changes
What kind of Pimcore licensing rules have been in place so far?
Why Is GPLv3 No Longer Sufficient?
GPLv3 was designed to protect software freedom through strong copyleft obligations (i.e., the requirement to release any changes under the same terms as the original code). However, in corporate environments, these safeguards often have the opposite effect – creating legal uncertainty.
Legal teams often oppose GPLv3, which can slow down or even block digital transformation efforts. As new regulations (such as NIS2 in Europe) demand clearer software governance, these issues continue to grow.
What Is the Pimcore Open Core License (POCL)?
The POCL license is a strategic response to the challenges of security and regulatory compliance.
- Access to the full source code
- Ability to create closed, private extensions
- Clear boundary between your code and Pimcore’s code
- Compliance with regulations, including the NIS2 directive
- Full access to the Pimcore Store
Will the New License Apply to Your Company?
The changes will apply to companies that:
- Use the Community Edition
- Choose to upgrade to v12
- Generate more than 5 million EUR in annual revenue
What If You Exceed the 5 Million EUR Annual Revenue Threshold?
In that case, purchasing a commercial license will be required. Pimcore reserves the right to conduct financial audits.
However, if you:
- Are a non-profit organization,
- Are an educational institution, or
- Generate less than 5M EUR/year
Pimcore will remain free for you.
If you’re currently using the Professional, Enterprise, or PaaS edition – the changes do not apply to you.
Pimcore 2025 License Pricing
🔗 Full Pricing – Pimcore PaaS
🔗 Edition Comparison – Pimcore Pricing
Why Upgrade to Pimcore v12 (2025.1)?
Modern Studio UI Interface
- User-friendly interface
- Customization options
- Significant speed improvements
- Full responsiveness
Greater Control Over Extensions (POCL)
The new license protects the code of dedicated functionalities. Under POCL, you can:
- Create proprietary plugins or modules
- Keep extensions private or share them selectively
- Use code based on POCL without disclosing the source code of your extensions
Other Benefits
- Security
- Complies with NIS2 (EU Cybersecurity Directive)
- Access to vendor-delivered software updates
What Do You Risk If You Do NOT Upgrade?
No Support After 2025
No vendor/community support – the last Pimcore CE version under GPLv3 will no longer be officially supported as of autumn 2025.
Legacy Technologies (ExtJS, Outdated Symfony/PHP)
A system based on legacy technologies – without vendor support, the technologies (e.g., PHP version, Symfony) that the system relies on will become outdated and increasingly vulnerable
Higher Risk of Security Vulnerabilities
Without regular security updates, software becomes more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
More Difficult and Costly Updates in the Future
Future updates will be more expensive and xomplex – requiring teams to maintain legacy technology knowledge; potential integration issues with outdated frameworks.
Got Questions?
Planning an upgrade? Or considering switching to the Enterprise or PaaS edition?
We’ll help you determine which edition and license is right for you.
📩 Contact us – we’re here to help!
Additional Links:
POCL License – GitHub
Migration From GPLv3 to POCL – Whitepaper
