August 2026: choose the PHP release line before you install
This guide now separates two normal macOS Homebrew choices. Use the current PHP formula for a new local project when its dependencies support the current release. Use PHP 8.3 only when a project, framework, plugin, or hosting workflow has a documented compatibility reason to stay on that release line. At this review, Homebrew lists current PHP as 8.5.9 and its PHP 8.3 formula as 8.3.33; confirm the formula page again before changing a project runtime.
Plan the local change
- Identify the project that needs PHP and confirm its supported PHP versions in the project's own documentation or dependency file.
- Use the current Homebrew PHP formula for new work unless compatibility evidence calls for PHP 8.3.
- Keep the runtime choice scoped to the intended local project. A macOS development runtime does not change the PHP version used by a hosted WordPress site.
- After Homebrew completes its normal installation workflow, verify the runtime version, the extensions your project requires, and the application or test suite that depends on it.
- Record which release line the project uses so the next developer can repeat the setup without guessing.
Use PHP 8.3 only for a known compatibility need
PHP 8.3 remains available through Homebrew, but it should be an intentional compatibility choice rather than a default. Check the project, framework, Composer dependencies, and any local tooling first. When the project can move to the current formula, plan that work as a separate tested upgrade so version changes and application changes are easy to verify.
Connect local PHP work to WordPress safely
For a hosted WordPress site, verify the active server-side PHP version and extensions with the hosting control panel or the site's approved maintenance process. Start with how to check the WordPress PHP version and extensions, then use the WordPress support guide for a broader maintenance or migration plan. Site owners who manage the server release line can also review the current PHP hosting patch checklist before scheduling an update.
Verify before you rely on the new runtime
- The selected Homebrew formula matches the project's supported PHP release line.
- The local PHP version and required extensions match the project configuration.
- The application starts and its normal tests, local site, or developer workflow work as expected.
- Hosted WordPress PHP changes, if any, are planned and verified separately through the server or host rather than assumed from the Mac.
