Laravel 12, released on February 24, 2025, introduces several improvements while maintaining backward compatibility. Most applications can upgrade without major code changes. (Laravel Docs)

🔹 Key Features in Laravel 12

1️⃣ New Application Starter Kits

• Laravel 12 introduces modern starter kits for React, Vue, and Livewire.
• React & Vue kits include Inertia 2, TypeScript, shadcn/ui, and Tailwind.
• Livewire kit is powered by Flux UI and Laravel Volt.

📌 Benefit: Faster setup for frontend frameworks with a modern UI stack.

2️⃣ WorkOS AuthKit Integration

• All starter kits now support social authentication, passkeys, and Single Sign-On (SSO) through WorkOS AuthKit.
• WorkOS offers free authentication for up to 1 million active users per month.

📌 Benefit: Simplified authentication with enterprise-level security.

3️⃣ Updated Dependencies & Carbon 3 Support

• Laravel 12 upgrades core dependencies, including Carbon 3.x.
• If your application uses Carbon 2.x, you’ll need to upgrade.

📌 Benefit: Improved performance and date handling.

4️⃣ Enhanced Query Builder & Eloquent ORM

• More expressive and readable query syntax.
• Optimized database interactions for efficiency.

📌 Benefit: Faster and cleaner database queries.

5️⃣ Improved Developer Experience

• Real-time linting & better debugging tools.
• New project scaffolding for cleaner architecture.

📌 Benefit: Easier and faster development workflow.

6️⃣ Security Enhancements 🔐

• Stronger validation methods.
• Advanced encryption protocols.
• Built-in secure password policies.

📌 Benefit: More secure applications with minimal effort.

📌 Should You Upgrade to Laravel 12?

✔ Yes, if you want better performance, security, and modern frontend support.

✔ Minimal breaking changes mean easy upgrades for existing Laravel 10/11 projects.

🔗 Learn More:

📖 Laravel 12 Official Docs

📺 Laravel 12 Features - Video Overview