WHMCS 9.0 Release: New Features & Upgrade Guide 2026
WHMCS 9.0 Release: Complete Guide to New Features, Updates, and Upgrade Requirements
WHMCS 9.0 is now available in General Availability! Released on January 20, 2026, this major update introduces compliance-focused features, AI-powered domain suggestions, improved VAT handling, and a completely redesigned shopping cart experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about WHMCS 9.0, including new features, upgrade requirements, and what this means for your business.
🚀 Quick Summary
- Release Date: January 20, 2026 (General Availability)
- PHP Requirement: PHP 8.2 or higher (PHP 7.2-8.1 support removed)
- ionCube Loader: Version 13.0.2 minimum (14.4.0 recommended)
- End-of-Life Date: December 31, 2026
- Key Focus: Compliance, security, and modern user experience
What's New in WHMCS 9.0?
WHMCS 9.0 is a compliance-focused release designed to help businesses stay aligned with evolving regulatory requirements while delivering a seamless experience. The update includes major new features, security improvements, and a modernized platform architecture.
Major New Features in WHMCS 9.0
1. Credit Note and Debit Note Support
WHMCS 9.0 introduces native support for credit notes and debit notes, bringing clarity and control to your financial workflows. This is especially important for businesses operating under VAT, GST, or similar tax frameworks.
Key Benefits:
- Generate compliant credit and debit notes directly within WHMCS
- Proper formatting to meet local tax regulations
- Improved transparency and accuracy for you and your clients
- Reduced manual work while supporting legal compliance
- Immutable invoices remain the default for audit requirements
Starting with WHMCS 9.0, non-Draft invoices are immutable, meaning you cannot edit transactions, add items, or remove items from an invoice. This ensures consistent invoice records for tax compliance. The Transactions section is now called the Ledger, where you'll see all transactions including credit and debit notes.
2. Improved VAT Compliance and Validation
WHMCS 9.0 includes several enhancements for improved VAT compliance:
- VAT Number Format Validation: WHMCS can now check if VAT numbers use a valid format for 28 European countries during checkout
- Automatic VAT Rule Updates: Enable automatic checking and application of VAT rule updates as part of the daily cron job
- VAT-Inclusive Pricing: Automatically displays VAT-inclusive pricing based on buyer location
- Enhanced Validation Options: Choose to validate format only, validate with relevant authority, both, or neither
These improvements reduce tax miscalculations, support legal compliance, and provide clear, transparent tax information at every checkout step.
3. New Nexus Cart Experience
WHMCS 9.0 introduces a completely redesigned shopping cart with improved UI for your clients. The new Nexus cart is dynamic, allowing clients to see changes without refreshing the page.
Nexus Cart Features:
- Dynamic updates without page refresh
- Improved domain checker and shopping cart view
- Easier promo code application and tax recalculation
- AI-powered domain name suggestions
- Faster, more intuitive checkout process
- Color customization options
To enable the Nexus cart, set Nexus as your system theme, then set the Nexus Cart as your default order form template.
4. WHMCS AI Domain Namespinning
Finding the right domain name can be a blocker to conversion. WHMCS 9.0 enhances the Namespinning feature with AI-powered suggestions, helping customers discover relevant domain names faster.
Users can now enter natural, descriptive text (not just keywords) to generate smart, contextual domain suggestions. This reduces cart abandonment and increases the likelihood of domain purchases.
5. Expanded API Coverage
WHMCS 9.0 includes expanded API coverage for the buy flow, designed for modern, developer-friendly integrations. The new extensible API provides full control over the cart and checkout experience.
- RESTful Methods: Built around OpenAPI and JSON:API specifications
- UUID-Aware: Ensures consistency and future scalability
- Custom Order Flows: Build custom ordering flows using standardized endpoints
- Static Frontend Support: Deploy static frontends through CDNs without compromising performance
- Well-Documented: Easy to test and aligned with modern standards
6. CSV Support for ImportAssist
The ImportAssist addon module now supports client imports using CSV files, allowing you to import client data from any system directly into WHMCS.
A new --ImportAssist task processes new import files as part of the system cron job. CSV import files must use the correct import file format.
7. Support for Shorter SSL Certificate Renewal Periods
Digicert is gradually reducing the maximum lifetime of SSL certificates. WHMCS 9.0 now checks for expiring SSL certificates more frequently and supports automatic reissuance for certificates with maximum validity of 200 days (and later 47 days).
8. System Health Check for Two-Factor Authentication
A new check at Configuration > System Health identifies if you have an unencrypted Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) storage configuration. You can migrate to an encrypted 2FA storage configuration by following the link in the alert.
9. Rate Limiting for User Login Attempts
WHMCS 9.0 introduces rate limiting for user login attempts in the Client Area. When a user makes 10 failed login attempts within a 10-minute period, the system temporarily blocks them from logging in, improving security.
10. Technology Preview: AI Support Copilot
WHMCS 9.0 includes a preview of the upcoming AI Support Copilot addon module. This tool helps support agents by creating AI-generated response suggestions and removing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from responses. The full release is coming in 2026.
Important Removals and Deprecations
PHP Version Requirements
WHMCS 9.0 requires PHP 8.2 or higher. Support has been removed for:
- PHP 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 8.1 (all end-of-life)
- ionCube Loader 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, and 12.0
⚠️ Upgrade Requirements
Before upgrading to WHMCS 9.0, you MUST:
- Upgrade to PHP 8.2 or higher (PHP 8.3 recommended)
- Install ionCube Loader 13.0.2 or higher (14.4.0 recommended)
- Update MySQL to 5.2 or higher (MySQL 8.0 recommended)
- Remove any legacy Smarty PHP tags from customizations
- Remove any Smarty
{fetch}tags from customizations
Other Removals
- Smarty fetch Tags: No longer supported - update customizations before upgrading
- Smarty PHP Tags: Legacy PHP tags removed (deprecated since WHMCS 8.7)
- Password Authentication for Google: Must use OAuth2 for Google email/mail provider
- TrustCommerce Gateway: Payment gateway module removed
- TPP Wholesale Debug Mode: Debug option removed (check Module Log instead)
Upgrade Requirements Summary
| Dependency | Minimum Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| ionCube Loader | 13.0.2 | 14.4.0 |
| MySQL | MySQL 5.2 | MySQL 8.0 |
| PHP | PHP 8.2 | PHP 8.3 |
Note: Updates only appear at Utilities > Update WHMCS if you are running a compatible PHP version. For more information and a list of required PHP extensions, see the WHMCS System Requirements.
How to Upgrade to WHMCS 9.0
- Check System Requirements: Verify your server meets PHP 8.2+, MySQL 5.2+, and ionCube Loader 13.0.2+ requirements
- Backup Your Installation: Always backup your WHMCS files and database before upgrading
- Update Customizations: Remove any Smarty PHP tags or fetch tags from custom templates
- Navigate to Utilities: Go to Utilities > Update WHMCS in your admin area
- Follow Upgrade Wizard: Complete the upgrade process through the WHMCS interface
- Test Thoroughly: Test all functionality, payment gateways, and custom modules after upgrade
What This Means for Your Business
Benefits of Upgrading to WHMCS 9.0
- Better Compliance: Credit notes, improved VAT handling, and tax compliance features
- Enhanced Security: Modern PHP support, rate limiting, and improved authentication
- Improved User Experience: New Nexus cart with dynamic updates and AI domain suggestions
- Developer-Friendly: Expanded API coverage for custom integrations
- Future-Proof: Aligned with modern web standards and best practices
Considerations Before Upgrading
- Ensure all third-party modules and addons are compatible with WHMCS 9.0
- Update any custom code that uses deprecated Smarty features
- Plan for PHP 8.2+ migration if currently on older PHP versions
- Test in a staging environment first
- Review all custom hooks and integrations
WHMCS 9.0 Compatibility with Our Products
All our WHMCS modules, payment gateways, and WordPress themes are fully compatible with WHMCS 9.0. Our products are regularly updated to support the latest WHMCS versions, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
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- ✓ Configurable Package Addon
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Key Improvements and Updates
Smarty Template Engine Upgrade
WHMCS 9.0 upgrades to Smarty 4.0, providing better performance and modern template features. This requires updating any custom templates that use deprecated Smarty features.
Updated Language Files
Language files have been updated with corrected spellings for Portuguese, Portuguese-br, and Ukrainian. When you update to WHMCS 9.0, the system will replace existing language files with the corrected versions.
Improved Checkout Experience
Tax rates now refresh automatically when customers change their country or state during checkout, providing a smoother purchasing experience.
Enhanced Activity Logging
The Activity Log now includes scheduled actions, allowing you to review when admins edited or canceled scheduled actions, or when scheduled actions failed.
Security Enhancements
- Rate Limiting: Prevents brute force attacks with login attempt limits
- Modern PHP Support: Removes security risks from end-of-life PHP versions
- OAuth2 for Google: More secure authentication method
- Password Requirements: New user passwords limited to maximum 100 characters
- Captcha Protection: Added to password reset forms
Developer Updates
Template Changes
WHMCS 9.0 includes template changes for Twenty-One Theme, Six Theme, Standard Cart Order Form, and Nexus. Developers should review the GitHub repositories for detailed change logs.
API Improvements
The expanded API coverage allows for:
- Custom order flows with full cart control
- Static frontend deployment through CDNs
- Faster integration cycles
- Better documentation and testing capabilities
Migration Checklist
Before Upgrading to WHMCS 9.0:
- ✓ Backup WHMCS files and database
- ✓ Upgrade PHP to 8.2 or higher
- ✓ Install ionCube Loader 13.0.2+
- ✓ Update MySQL to 5.2+ (8.0 recommended)
- ✓ Remove Smarty PHP tags from customizations
- ✓ Remove Smarty {fetch} tags
- ✓ Update Google email/mail provider to OAuth2
- ✓ Verify third-party module compatibility
- ✓ Test in staging environment first
Conclusion
WHMCS 9.0 represents a significant step forward in compliance, security, and user experience. With features like credit notes, AI-powered domain suggestions, improved VAT handling, and a modernized cart experience, WHMCS 9.0 helps businesses stay competitive while meeting regulatory requirements.
The upgrade to PHP 8.2+ ensures better security and performance, while the expanded API coverage opens new possibilities for custom integrations. However, the upgrade requires careful planning, especially for businesses with custom code or older PHP versions.
For businesses looking to upgrade to WHMCS 9.0, our WHMCS License Lifetime package offers the best long-term value, providing lifetime access to all premium WHMCS features without recurring license fees.
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WHMCS 9.0 Change Log
Below is a comprehensive overview of the changes, improvements, and fixes included in WHMCS 9.0, based on the official WHMCS 9.0 Change Log.
Version 9.0.0 (General Availability) - January 20, 2026
Maintenance Updates
- • WHMCS-22723 — Add validation improvements in admin area
- • WHMCS-23275 — Add NORD VPN Landing and Branding Update
- • WHMCS-24649 — Remove Basic Authentication for Google Mail Provider
- • WHMCS-24708 — Prevent error when clicking "View all pricing" in the Client Area
- • WHMCS-24841 — Improve error handling when upgrading from 7.x to 9.0
- • WHMCS-24847 — Add validation Improvements in Admin Area
- • WHMCS-24862 — Improve rendering of Free Products in Nexus Cart
- • WHMCS-24863 — Correct Document Type & Description on Debit Note
- • WHMCS-24865 — Remove TrustCommerce gateway module
- • WHMCS-24901 — Improve dependency handling during upgrade process
- • WHMCS-24643 — Correct system path references in Nexus
- • WHMCS-24694 — Correct formatting of Client Area Invoice in Nexus Theme
- • WHMCS-24913 — Correct fixed directory path references in Nexus Cart JS
API Improvements
- • WHMCS-24834 — Improve error handling with Domain Transfers and Domain Renewals when using the API
Version 9.0.0 (Release Candidate) - December 16, 2025
Major Features Implemented
- • WHMCS-20052 — Improve Domain Discoverability through AI Powered Namespinning
- • WHMCS-20187 — Expand API Coverage for Buy Flow Cart Management
- • WHMCS-22591 — Upgrade Smarty template engine to v4
- • WHMCS-22633 — Improve VAT Compliance and Validation During Checkout
- • WHMCS-22711 — Add ImportAssist Support for CSV Imports of Customer Accounts
- • WHMCS-23171 — 2026 Client and Buy Flow Theme
- • WHMCS-23462 — Credit Note Support for WHMCS
- • WHMCS-23658 — Digicert Certificate Provisioning Adjustments to Support Shorter SSL Certificate lengths
Key Maintenance Updates
- • WHMCS-10754 — "Open" ticket counts in sidebar only include tickets from admin's assigned departments
- • WHMCS-12696 — Configurable option pricing is now properly displayed in emails
- • WHMCS-13425 — Add clarifying messaging on Integration Links regarding Captcha
- • WHMCS-16768 — Improve Password Reset error messaging when a password does not meet minimum security requirements
- • WHMCS-19165 — Fix the spelling of the Portuguese language in various Admin Area dropdowns
- • WHMCS-19395 — Fix a bug related to undercharging a client when performing certain prorated addon actions
- • WHMCS-19956 — Validation improvements in admin area
- • WHMCS-22024 — Add Captcha Protection to Password Reset form
- • WHMCS-21192 — Remove the Trust Commerce Gateway Module
- • WHMCS-21712 — Improve Staff Online header functionality in Blend - Preview theme
- • WHMCS-21765 — Secret Word is now required when configuring Skrill Hosted Payment
- • WHMCS-21795 — Upgrades and downgrades now validate resources to prevent overages
- • WHMCS-21897 — Visual updates to the Marketgoo landing page and reseller modal
- • WHMCS-21993 — EmailPreSend Hook Now Supports File Attachments
- • WHMCS-22177 — More MarketConnect offerings are now back compatible
- • WHMCS-22217 — Add the ability to select a default language in the "Getting Started Wizard"
- • WHMCS-22230 — Scheduled action controls now visually represent the permissions a user has
- • WHMCS-22289 — Prevent "Oops" error when attempting to "Login as Owner" as an Admin related to custom child themes
- • WHMCS-22290 — Fix a bug related to duplication of Activity Log entries when using the TPP Wholesale registrar module
- • WHMCS-22303 — Add System Health Check notice if plain-text TOTP tokens are found
- • WHMCS-22313 — Correct redirect for "Create Upgrade/Downgrade Orders" action without the required permissions
- • WHMCS-22474 — Validation improvements in admin area
- • WHMCS-22505 — New User Passwords are Limited to a Maximum of 100 Characters
- • WHMCS-22534 — Fix a bug to prevent invalid response messages when performing Domain Lookup search for various TLD's
- • WHMCS-22694 — Validation improvements in admin area
- • WHMCS-22702 — Fix a bug in the Domain Registrar Module code to prevent invalid "Oops" errors when performing a domain lookup
- • WHMCS-22705 — Update clientsummary.tpl admin template
- • WHMCS-22703 — Validation improvements in admin area
- • WHMCS-22707 — Validation improvements in admin area
- • WHMCS-22837 — Update firebase/php-jwt library
- • WHMCS-22838 — Update the league/flysystem library
- • WHMCS-22839 — Update the phpmailer/phpmailer library
- • WHMCS-22840 — Update the minimist library
- • WHMCS-22841 — Update the underscore.js library
- • WHMCS-22856 — Getting Started Wizard will now set the Default Language for the system instead of just setting it for the current Admin User
- • WHMCS-23184 — Add dropdown to Admin Area VAT Validation settings
- • WHMCS-23264 — Prevent erroneous CSRF block when accessing MarketConnect services
- • WHMCS-23628 — Fix a bug where sending Custom Messages and Email Campaigns did not properly parse Smarty Tags
- • WHMCS-23636 — Remove the "Allow Smarty Tags" setting from Configuration Settings
- • WHMCS-23674 — Fix a bug in the AddClient API Endpoint to resolve invalid entries when both firstname and lastname fields are NULL
- • WHMCS-23711 — Add the ability to save a Product Group Icon under the Product Group settings page
- • WHMCS-24369 — Fix a bug with the Support Menu dropdown
- • WHMCS-24500 — Add language translations for Social Bee in the Client Area
- • WHMCS-24540 — Enable product group icons for all themes
Module Updates
- • WHMCS-18868 — Improve error handling when viewing the "Transactions" page in the Admin Area while an active Payment Gateway's files are missing
- • WHMCS-21227 — Improve error handling of .ca domain transfers when using the GoDaddy Registrar Module
Language Updates
- • WHMCS-19692 — Fix a bug that was preventing Invoices from using the default language set by the Admin when downloading
Note: WHMCS is working to improve the quality and availability of supported languages. This and future WHMCS releases will include more updates and additions to localization files in the /lang and /admin/lang directories. These changes will not appear in the list of changelog entries.
Additional Resources
- Official WHMCS 9.0 Release Notes
- WHMCS 9.0 Change Log
- What's New in WHMCS 9.0
- WHMCS 9.0 Announcement
