The Prestashop core is now a new version 1.7.8 which brings some important bug fixes and security updates, which are most likely related to the recent vulnerability that affected both the storefronts and the admin dashboard.
What is the best version of PrestaShop?
There are four main versions of PrestaShop: 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7. It would be best to upgrade your online store version to 1.7.7.7 in order to enjoy stability and performance, plus access to the most current features and improvements in the software, avoid decreasing user experience and or any configuration errors for buyers.
When working with an older one, and you want to use a very new module, it's hard to make the module compatible with your online store.
PrestaShop 1.7.8.0 release date
The newest PrestaShop stable version is available now. 1.7.7.7 - the latest version was released on August 19, 2021.
The first beta package — 1.7.8.0 was released on June 1, 2021. We hope the final version will be available for download within this year.
This pre-release package enhancement was made in terms of performance, speed and stability in order to improve the overall performance of the platform.
Bug fixes and security updates
There's a saying in the software development world: "if there's a bug, assume it's a feature." So while there were a lot (242) of bug fixes in this release, it's a huge milestone because it means that there were many features, which means many requests, and it's an outstanding process.
It also adds support for PHP 7.4 (but not at all, that's why I recommend you use PHP7.2 for PrestaShop requirements).
Learn more about which PHP version you should use from PrestaShop Docs.
Some packages have been removed.
The following is a list of some packages that have been removed: sekeywords, statsequipment, statslive, statsorigin, statsvisits.
New Experimental features: If the "Experimental Features" is enabled, you can compare the features of the experimental product to those of the regular product, which can be done by managing both the regular product and the rest one.
Translations are improved: Through this feature, the team has given the user the ability to export content and data. From this list, we can export module translations, back office, front office, email or themes.
New Multistore header feature: All your header dreams will come true with the newest custom-colored multistore header. Choose a new eye-catching color for each shop or group of shops within the parameters you wish.
Listen to your feedback.
This is the first beta release of PrestaShop 1.7.8.0 which will be included in the upcoming version 1.7.8 of PrestaShop, to be released soon. The core team wants to listen to your feedback.
How do you feel about the new features? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts tell me what they should do to improve the package!
Is this the best time to upgrade?
We cannot locate a compatible module and an incompatible module next to the native modules. If you update the latest core for the current shop, it will affect the activity of the installed modules.
How to download the latest version?
It is in the beta version phase, so you should only use it for testing purposes as a developer or product designer. To download this package, go to the official page to get files or download PrestaShop 1.7.8.0 from the direct link.
The download will be started immediately. After the download, you can upload it to your server, then extract it with 7-Zip or your built-in tool.
How to upgrade
We do not recommend upgrading this pre-release software to your production shop. Create a subdirectory inside your site to install it to check the compatibility of modules and the theme.
When the stable version is released, don't be late to update by access the 1-click upgrade module from your Back Office page.
P/s - last updated on 10 October 2022: the beta version of PrestaShop 8.0 was released on August 8, 2022.