What to Expect and How It Compares to Joomla 5

When Joomla 5 was released, it marked a major milestone for the platform — modernising the codebase, improving performance, and setting Joomla up for long-term sustainability.

Since then, many site owners have either completed their upgrade from Joomla 3 or are actively planning it.

With Joomla 6 now on the roadmap, it’s natural to ask:

What’s changing? Do I need to upgrade again? And how different is Joomla 6 from Joomla 5?

This article provides a practical overview of what Joomla 6 brings, how it compares to Joomla 5, and what site owners should be thinking about now.

First Things First: Joomla 6 Is an Evolution, Not a Rebuild

Unlike the jump from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 (and then 5), Joomla 6 is not a disruptive release.

If your site is:

• Already running on Joomla 5
• Using well-maintained extensions
• Built with modern templates and PHP compatibility in mind

…then the upgrade path to Joomla 6 is expected to be far smoother than previous major version changes. This is by design.

Joomla’s newer release strategy focuses on:

• Predictable version cycles
• Smaller technical jumps
• Easier long-term maintenance

What’s New in Joomla 6?

While Joomla 6 builds on the solid foundation of Joomla 5, it introduces refinements rather than radical changes.

Improved Performance & Stability

Joomla 6 continues to optimise core performance, benefiting from:

• Cleaner, more efficient code
• Better handling of modern PHP versions
• Reduced technical debt across the CMS

For most sites, this translates to faster load times and improved reliability rather than visible UI changes.

Better Accessibility & Standards Compliance

Accessibility remains a strong focus:

• Improved backend usability
• Cleaner HTML output
• Ongoing alignment with WCAG and modern web standards

This is particularly important for:

• Government
• Education
• NDIS and community organisations
• Businesses wanting future compliance confidence

Cleaner Upgrade & Maintenance Path

One of the biggest advantages of Joomla 6 isn’t a single feature — it’s the process.

The Joomla project is now aligned around:

• Long-term support releases
• Clear end-of-life timelines
• Easier upgrades between major versions

This means fewer “surprise” rebuilds and more predictable planning for site owners.

Joomla 5 vs Joomla 6: What’s the Difference?

Key takeaway:

If Joomla 5 was the big step forward, Joomla 6 is about polish, stability, and longevity.

Do You Need to Upgrade to Joomla 6 Immediately?

For most sites, the answer is no — but you should plan for it.

You should consider Joomla 6 if:

• Your site is already on Joomla 5
• You want the longest possible support lifecycle
• You’re rebuilding or refreshing your site anyway

You don’t need to rush if:

• Your Joomla 5 site is stable and supported
• All extensions are actively maintained
• There are no security or compatibility issues

Still on Joomla 3 or Joomla 4?

If you’re still running Joomla 3 or an early Joomla 4 build, Joomla 6 shouldn’t be your first step.

The recommended path is:

1. Joomla 3 → Joomla 4 or 5 (with proper auditing)
2. Stabilise extensions and templates
3. Then plan for Joomla 6 when ready

Skipping steps often leads to:

• Broken extensions
• Template issues
• Unexpected downtime

If you’re currently running Joomla 3, I’ve detailed the full upgrade process and considerations in my article on upgrading from Joomla 3 to Joomla 5.

Final Thoughts: Joomla Is in a Stronger Position Than Ever

After several years of major transitions, Joomla is now in a mature, stable, and future-focused phase.

Joomla 6 isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about:

• Sustainability
• Performance
• Predictable upgrades
• Long-term site ownership

If you’re unsure where your site sits, or whether Joomla 5 or 6 is the right move, a quick review can save significant time and cost down the track.

Need Help Reviewing Your Joomla Upgrade Path?

If you’re planning an upgrade — or not sure where to start — feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to review your current setup and talk through the best next step for your site.