AEM 6.6 New Release: Embracing Java 17 for Performance and Security in 2025

Adobe Experience Manager Services (AEM) is poised for a significant evolution with the upcoming release of AEM 6.6, also referred to as AEM 6.5 2025 Edition. This new version marks a pivotal shift, primarily driven by the integration of Java 17, aiming to enhance performance, security, and long-term support for on-premise, self-hosted, and Adobe Managed Services (AMS) customers. 

In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the key aspects of AEM 6.6, the implications of transitioning to Java 17, and the essential steps organizations should undertake to prepare for this upgrade.

The Evolution of AEM: Embracing Java 17

Historically, AEM has been aligned with Java 8 and Java 11. However, with the technological advancements and the end-of-life announcements for older Java versions, Adobe recognized the necessity to transition AEM to a more modern Java platform. 

The introduction of Java 17 into AEM 6.6 is a strategic move to address upstream security vulnerabilities that are no longer patched in Java 8 or Java 11. This upgrade not only fortifies the security framework of AEM but also leverages the performance enhancements and new features inherent in Java 17.

The integration of Java 17 has necessitated a comprehensive engineering effort to update the Apache Oak, Java Content Repository, and Sling core—the foundational components of AEM. This ensures that AEM 6.6 is optimized for Java 17, providing a robust and efficient platform for users. 

Moreover, aligning AEM with Java 17 ensures long-term support, offering organizations a stable and secure environment for their content management needs.

Aspect	Details
Performance Enhancements in AEM 6.6	Significant performance improvements with Java 17 adoption in AEM 6.6Enhanced garbage collection with ZGC and Shenandoah for efficient memory managementReduced latency and improved responsiveness in AEM operationsOptimized Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler for faster code executionSmoother content delivery and better overall system performance
Security Reinforcements and Compliance	Enhanced security with Java 17 in AEM 6.6Stronger encryption standards for improved data protectionImproved TLS support for secure communicationsAutomatic memory management reduces security vulnerabilitiesEnsures compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulationsReliable choice for enterprises handling sensitive customer data
Compatibility and Migration Challenges	Organizations using Java 8 or Java 11 may face compatibility issues with AEM 6.6Custom applications, integrations, and legacy code require thorough testing for Java 17 compatibilityAdobe offers tools and guidelines for a smoother transitionEnterprises need to plan migration efforts carefully to avoid disruptions
Modernized Development Workflow	Java 17 in AEM 6.6 allows use of modern programming constructsEnhanced switch expressions, pattern matching, and sealed classes improve code readability and maintainabilityFeatures contribute to a more efficient development workflowIntegration with cloud-native solutions offers scalability and flexibility

Key Features and Deprecations in AEM 6.6

AEM 6.6 is not merely an upgrade in terms of Java compatibility; it introduces several noteworthy features while deprecating certain outdated components to streamline performance and security.

• WAR and JAR Deployment Models: Recognizing the diverse deployment preferences of its user base, Adobe continues to support both WAR and JAR deployment models in AEM 6.6. This flexibility allows organizations to choose between deploying AEM as a standalone application (JAR) or within a servlet container like Tomcat or WebSphere (WAR), catering to varied infrastructure requirements.
• Deprecated APIs and Libraries: To enhance security and reduce vulnerabilities, AEM 6.6 deprecates certain APIs and libraries. Notable changes include:
  • Deprecation of commons-collections-3.x APIs.
  • Removal of the Guava library from the distribution, though organizations can include the current version if needed.
  • Upgrades to various third-party libraries to their latest versions.
• Removed Packages: Certain packages have been removed in AEM 6.6 to streamline the platform. These include:
  • Social (old CQ social bundles)
  • Commerce
  • Screens
  • We.Retail
  • Integration of Search and Promote

It’s important to note that the deprecation of the “Social” functionality pertains to the older CQ social bundles (e.g., com.adobe.cq.social.cq-social*), not the newer AEM Communities bundles.

Preparing for the Upgrade: A Strategic Approach

Transitioning to AEM 6.6 requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure a seamless upgrade. Organizations should consider the following steps:

1. Assessment and Planning:
   • Inventory of Current Environment: Conduct a comprehensive audit of the existing AEM environment, including custom code, integrations, and third-party dependencies.
   • Compatibility Analysis: Utilize Adobe’s Pattern Detector tool to identify potential compatibility issues with the new version
2. Pre-Upgrade Preparation:
   • Backup: Perform a full backup of the AEM instance to prevent data loss.
   • Environment Setup: Prepare a staging environment that mirrors the production setup to test the upgrade process.
   • Update Dependencies: Ensure that all dependencies, including third-party libraries and custom code, are compatible with Java 17.
3. Upgrade Execution:
   • In-Place Upgrade: For environments where minimal changes are required, an in-place upgrade can be performed by replacing the old AEM jar file with the new one and running the upgrade commands.
   • Side-By-Side Upgrade: In scenarios involving significant changes or customizations, setting up a parallel environment with AEM 6.6 and migrating content and configurations can be more effective.
4. Post-Upgrade Validation:
   • Testing: Conduct thorough testing to ensure that all functionalities are working as expected.
   • Performance Monitoring: Monitor system performance to identify and address any issues promptly.
   • User Training: Provide training sessions for end-users to familiarize them with any new features or changes in the interface.

Steps for a Successful AEM 6.6 Upgrade: A Roadmap to Seamless Transition

Upgrading to AEM 6.6 is not just a version change—it’s a strategic move toward enhanced performance, security, and long-term viability. To ensure a smooth transition, organizations must adopt a proactive approach:

• Audit Java Dependencies – Assess all existing AEM deployments to identify any legacy Java components that may require updates or replacements.
• Test Customizations and Integrations – Validate all custom applications, workflows, and third-party integrations for Java 17 compatibility to prevent post-migration disruptions.
• Leverage Adobe’s Upgrade Tools – Utilize Adobe’s assessment and compatibility tools to detect potential issues early in the process, minimizing risks and downtime.
• Benchmark Performance – Conduct pre- and post-migration performance tests to measure improvements in speed, efficiency, and stability.
• Upskill IT and Development Teams – Equip your teams with the knowledge and best practices for Java 17, ensuring they can fully leverage its advanced capabilities within AEM 6.6.

By following these steps, businesses can transform the upgrade from a challenge into an opportunity—one that strengthens digital experience delivery for years to come.

Adobe Managed Services (AMS) Support: A Hassle-Free Upgrade Path

For organizations utilizing Adobe Managed Services (AMS), the AEM 6.6 upgrade promises a seamless, worry-free experience. With Adobe handling the backend infrastructure, AMS customers can focus on content innovation while their platform is optimized in the background.

However, for self-hosted AEM users, the journey requires more hands-on effort. From server configuration to compatibility testing, in-house teams must dedicate time and resources to ensure a successful migration. Adobe provides extensive documentation, support services, and upgrade guidance to ease this transition, ensuring businesses of all sizes can navigate the shift with confidence.

Whether leveraging AMS for a managed upgrade or orchestrating an in-house migration, one thing is clear—AEM 6.6 brings significant improvements that justify the effort, delivering a faster, more secure, and future-ready platform.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AEM and Java

With AEM 6.6 and Java 17, Adobe is laying the foundation for the next generation of digital experience management. But this is just the beginning. The future of AEM is poised to embrace AI-driven content strategies, tighter cloud integration, and enhanced headless CMS functionalities.

Expect smarter automation, where AI-powered tools refine content personalization, optimize asset management, and elevate omnichannel marketing efforts. Additionally, deeper Adobe Experience Cloud integration will streamline workflows, enabling businesses to craft more immersive, data-driven experiences at scale.

For organizations investing in AEM 6.6 today, the payoff is clear: a future-proof platform designed to adapt, evolve, and redefine digital engagement in an era where innovation knows no bounds.

Wrap Up

The release of AEM 6.6 signifies Adobe’s commitment to evolving its platform in line with modern technological standards while addressing the needs of its diverse user base. By understanding the forthcoming changes and proactively preparing, organizations can ensure a seamless upgrade, positioning themselves to harness the full potential of AEM 6.6 on Java 17.

For a more in-depth discussion on AEM 6.6 and its implications, you might find this presentation insightful:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFv7g_6gBqE