Although it is a minor version change from a previous Magento 2.4.3, this release can be called a massive update.
The new Magento includes backward-incompatible changes and brings a lot of significant changes and additions. That includes support of PHP 8.1 updated versions of ElasticSearch, jQuery, and MySQL.
The updates that make this new version distinctive from the previous ones are:
OpenSearch support added
PHP 8.1 support
Vendor Bundled Extension (VBE) decoupled
Page Builder
GraphQL errors to be fixed
Removed & updated libraries
+ OpenSearch support added
Adobe adds support for another in-store search engine. Along with Elasticsearch, stores can use OpenSearch.
In case a store continues using Elasticsearch, it is recommended to use Elasticsearch 7.16.x to mitigate Log4j vulnerability. Users of Adobe Commerce 2.4.4 on Cloud will have to transition from Elasticsearch to OpenSearch.
+ PHP 8.1 Support:
Adobe has changed the Magento release cycle to align with the PHP versions end of life since this component is essential for this e-commerce platform.
PHP 8.1 is a major update of this language that brings a lot of new features. Here are some: enums, read-only properties, explicit octal numeral notation, first-class callable syntax, fibers, pure intersection types, never return type, and final class constants.
The release of Magento 2.4.4 means the transition from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8. Although Adobe is testing the Magento 2.4.4 beta versions against PHP 8.0, the new version of the e-commerce platform will support PHP 8.1.
PHP 7.3 support will be removed in Magento 2.4.4.
+ Vendor Bundle Extension (VBE) decoupled:
Adobe has removed almost all third-party modules from the Magento core set except the Braintree extension from VBE. Official alternatives to VBEs will be available from Magento Marketplace.
+ Page Builder:
The update also includes improved positioning of Insert/Edit Image and Insert/Edit Link pop-up windows and has fixed issues regarding Text Editor for a banner in Page Builder.
Adobe Commerce will no longer convert all dynamic blocks to one language during the upgrade.
+ GraphQL error to be fixed:
Adobe promised a list of GraphQL errors to be fixed in Magento 2.4.4. Here are some most prominent bugs to be closed in this version:
For products with equal relevance or price, GraphQL sorting by DESC/ASC may not be working. MDVA-40120 patch will also be available for Magento 2.4.1 – 2.4.3-p1.
Hiding categories through a GraphQL categories query for a B2B shared catalog feature does not work. Stores on Adobe prior to Magento 2.4.4 will have to request a patch individually.
GraphQL can’t add a configurable product to the cart if the website ID differs from the store ID. Patch MDVA-37779 is compatible with 2.4.2 – 2.4.2-p1.
GraphQL error when setting shipping address on carts with an empty phone number. MDVA-39521 patch is available for Magento 2.4.0 – 2.4.3.
GraphQL query returns products not assigned to a shared catalog. The patch MDVA-37748 is available for 2.4.2 – 2.4.2-p2.
Some other enhancements are:
Improved storage performance.
Improved configuration settings for “storeconfig” query.
Support for setting the payment method on a negotiable quote.
+ Removed and updated libraries:
Magento 2.4.4 update has a list of other many enhancements like:
updated RequireJS to 2.3.6
endroid/qr-code updated to the latest version
PHP Unit 9.5
TinyMCE 5
Updated JavaScript libraries:
script.aculo.us
Chart.js
moment.js
moment-timezone-with-data.js
matchMedia.js
underscore.js
PrototypeJS
Removed JavaScript libraries:
es6-collections.js
MutationObserver.js
Modernizr
FormData.js
Magento 2.4.4 has a lot of improvements in performance and security for online stores. The public release of this platform becomes available on 8 March 2022, and it is time to start preparing your online store for the transition onto it. Keep your Magento-based business efficient and protected while providing customers with a speed and error-free shopping experience.