The recent announcements from Adobe Summit have sparked considerable discussion around the future of Magento, with some headlines declaring, “Magento is dead." While it’s easy to get caught up in the hyperbole, the truth is a little more nuanced. Magento, as we know it, isn’t disappearing overnight. It will continue to be supported with security updates, ensuring stability and functionality for merchants relying on both the Open Source and Adobe Commerce versions. But there’s no denying that Magento’s journey is evolving, as Adobe continues to forge ahead with its ambitious new “Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service” vision.
What’s changing?
In short, Adobe is doubling down on its MACH-based approach: Microservices, APIs, Cloud-native SaaS, and Headless architecture. This strategy is now materialising as Adobe Commerce Storefront. A modern frontend framework designed to integrate seamlessly with Adobe’s expanding suite of cloud-based services.
However, this doesn’t mean Magento is being tossed aside. Instead, it’s being gently sunsetted, with innovation increasingly directed towards Adobe’s new ecosystem. Think of it as the gradual transition from vinyl records to streaming platform - the classics still work, but the world is moving on.
The road ahead
For those of us entrenched in the Magento ecosystem, there are two clear paths to consider:
1. Sticking to the PHP Monolith with Hyvä
The familiar, reliable approach that many merchants continue to trust. Thanks to the tireless work of the Hyvä team, the Magento ecosystem has experienced a resurgence. By replacing the outdated and cumbersome Luma Theme with their sleek, high-performance Hyvä Theme, they’ve injected new life into the platform.
And they’re not stopping there. The upcoming Hyvä Commerce product suite aims to enhance the Magento experience even further. For those committed to the PHP-based model, Hyvä’s efforts offer a genuine breath of fresh air and a continued pathway for innovation.
2. Embracing Adobe’s MACH
Adobe’s vision for the future of commerce looks markedly different. It’s a shift away from PHP and towards a JavaScript-powered, SaaS-driven ecosystem.
Instead of building custom PHP modules, developers will be expected to work with APIs — such as the existing Catalog Service — and extend functionalities via App Builder.
This approach bears more resemblance to platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, or Centra — streamlined, cloud-based, and with a focus on scalability and flexibility. But for those accustomed to the Magento way of doing things, it’s a significant departure from the norm.
What does this mean for Magento merchants?
In the immediate future, not a great deal. Merchants can continue operating on Magento as they always have. But looking further ahead, the lines have been drawn, and decisions will need to be made. Stick with the tried-and-tested monolith approach? Or prepare for the shift towards a SaaS-driven architecture?
At Unified, we’re keeping a keen eye on both paths. We’re excited by the continued evolution of Hyvä and its potential to breathe new life into the Magento experience. Equally, we’re preparing for the opportunities Adobe’s cloud-first vision presents.
Magento isn’t dead. It’s evolving. And whether you choose to embrace the new or perfect the established, we’re here to help you navigate the journey. Contact us today for a no-obligation chat.
