When did AEM V2 come out?
There is no official release named "AEM V2" from Adobe Experience Manager. Adobe's Experience Manager version history has evolved through major lines such as AEM 5.x, AEM 6.x, and the ongoing AEM as Cloud Service. References to "AEM V2" typically reflect a misunderstanding, a non-Adobe fork, or an internal shorthand rather than a published Adobe release.
AEM in brief: how versioning works
Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) has long used a tiered versioning approach. The on‑premises product evolved from the CQ5 lineage into the AEM 5.x/6.x family, while Adobe later shifted to a cloud-first model with continuous updates under AEM as a Cloud Service. The naming scheme emphasizes major releases and cloud service iterations rather than a simple “V2” tag.
Background: CQ5 and the AEM branding
Adobe acquired Day Software in 2009, which led to the rebranding of CQ5 into Adobe Experience Manager. The early era used CQ5 and related 5.x releases; the modern on‑premises line matured into 6.x, and more recently Adobe’s cloud offering has focused on ongoing updates rather than discrete version numbers. There has never been an official “AEM V2” label in Adobe’s published release history.
Is there an AEM V2 release?
No. Adobe has not published an official "AEM V2" release. When people encounter “AEM V2,” it is usually a misunderstanding, a reference from third parties, or a non‑Adobe fork rather than an endorsed Adobe release.
The following points help explain why this label appears in some discussions and how to approach it.
- Mislabeling or shorthand: Some internal notes or vendor communications may use a temporary or internal label that sounds like a version, but it does not correspond to an official Adobe release.
- Historical naming quirks: In the transition from CQ5 to AEM, some documentation or conversations used various descriptors that could be misconstrued as a “V2” designation.
- Non-Adobe forks or third‑party tools: Some products or integrations claim compatibility with AEM in a way that uses “V2” in their branding, but these are not official Adobe releases.
The following explanations cover common reasons someone might mention “AEM V2” and how to interpret those references:
To avoid confusion, rely on the official Adobe release notes and your vendor documentation to confirm the exact version and upgrade path for your environment.
Current state of AEM releases
Today, Adobe’s strategy centers on two main tracks: on‑premises AEM (the 6.x line, with the 6.5 series being the latest major on‑premises release) and AEM as Cloud Service, which delivers continuous, cloud-native updates. The cloud service does not carry discrete “V” version numbers; updates are rolled out on an ongoing basis, with release notes documenting changes and improvements.
- AEM 6.0 released around 2013 as the foundation of the modern 6.x lineup.
- AEM 6.1 released roughly in 2014–2015 as the next step in on‑premises evolution.
- AEM 6.2 released around 2016.
- AEM 6.3 released around 2017.
- AEM 6.4 released around 2018.
- AEM 6.5 released around 2019.
- AEM as Cloud Service introduced as the cloud-native path, with ongoing updates beginning around 2021–2022.
These milestones illustrate the shift from discrete on‑premises versions to continuous cloud updates. If you encountered “V2” in a document, it is most likely an informal shorthand or a mislabel rather than an official Adobe designation.
How to verify which AEM you are using
When researching or auditing an AEM deployment, verify the exact version and update track by following these steps.
- Open the AEM Admin Console or About dialog to locate the exact version string.
- Consult the official Adobe release notes or the cloud service status page for the latest updates and build numbers.
- Check the installation package, container image tag, or hosting provider notes for the precise version identifier.
- Review project documentation or contracts with your vendor to confirm whether you are on an on‑premises track or AEM as Cloud Service.
Knowing the exact version and track informs upgrade planning, compatibility with connectors, and security patching schedules.
Summary
There is no official AEM V2 release from Adobe. The Experience Manager lineage has progressed through AEM 5.x and AEM 6.x on‑premises, followed by the cloud‑native AEM as Cloud Service with continuous updates. If you encounter the term “AEM V2,” treat it as likely non‑official branding or a misunderstanding, and verify against Adobe’s official release notes and your vendor documentation. The current reality is a dual path: stable on‑premises 6.x releases and a cloud service trajectory with ongoing improvements.
