In short
Long term support (LTS) refers to a software version that the vendor or the community maintains with bug fixes and security updates over a fixed, longer period. Between two LTS versions, short-lived intermediate versions with new features often appear.
The LTS version, on the other hand, is designed for stability and is therefore suitable for the productive operation of websites, shops and business software.
Well-known examples are TYPO3, Ubuntu, Node.js and Java. The principle is the same everywhere: every LTS version has a start date and a fixed end. Anyone using it knows from the outset when an upgrade will be due.
How an LTS life cycle is structured
An LTS cycle almost always runs in phases. First there is active maintenance with bug fixes and security updates. This is followed by a phase in which only security vulnerabilities are closed. With the end of life (EOL), free support ends completely. Some providers then sell extended long term support (ELTS), which keeps the version secured for a few more years for a fee.
| Phase | What happens | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Active maintenance | Bug fixes and security updates | free of charge |
| Security only | only security fixes | free of charge |
| End of life | no more updates | – (the risk lies with the operator) |
| Extended support (optional) | Security updates for a fee | annual contract |
LTS at TYPO3
TYPO3 releases a new LTS version roughly every 18 months. Each of them receives three years of free support. The periods of the current versions:
| Version | Released | Free security updates until |
|---|---|---|
| TYPO3 v12 LTS | April 2023 | 30.04.2026 (ended) |
| TYPO3 v13 LTS | October 2024 | 31.12.2027 |
| TYPO3 v14 LTS | April 2026 | 30.06.2029 |
The table shows a pattern that is decisive for upgrade planning: anyone coming from an expiring version often gains considerably less time with the next version than with the one after that. TYPO3 maintains the official dates in its documentation on supported versions.
LTS or the latest version?
| Criterion | LTS version | Intermediate version |
|---|---|---|
| Support duration | several years | a few months |
| Stability | high, API largely frozen | changes possible |
| New features | as at the release | available earlier |
| Suitable for | production systems | tests, new projects with a short horizon |
For corporate websites and shops, the LTS version is almost always the right choice. Third-party extensions and plugins are also oriented towards LTS versions, so compatibility is best there.
Why the end of LTS is a business issue
After the end of support, software initially continues to run unchanged. The risk nevertheless grows with every month: new security vulnerabilities are no longer closed, extensions stop being maintained and the runtime environment becomes outdated. Step by step, a maintained installation thus turns into legacy software.
That is why the end of LTS belongs in budget planning, not just in IT. Anyone who knows the dates can schedule upgrades in quiet periods and does not have to act under time pressure.
A practical example
A company set up its website on TYPO3 v12 in 2023. In autumn 2026, free support has ended. An upgrade to v13 would bring security updates until the end of 2027, i.e. a good year. An upgrade to v14 brings peace of mind until mid-2029. Because the effort for both routes is similar, the bigger jump is usually worthwhile. The article TYPO3 v12 has reached end of support: upgrade to v14 or buy ELTS? describes the trade-off.
Frequently asked questions
What does LTS mean?
LTS stands for long term support. It refers to a software version that is maintained with bug fixes and security updates over a fixed, longer period.
How long is a TYPO3 LTS version supported?
Every TYPO3 LTS version receives three years of free support. After that, paid extended long term support is available.
What happens after the end of LTS support?
The software continues to run but no longer receives free security updates. What remains is an upgrade to a newer LTS version or paid extended support.
Should I always use the latest LTS version?
For new projects and due upgrades, yes, as soon as the extensions you use are compatible. That way you make use of the version's full support period.