Remi Collet has released PHP 8.5 packages as a Software Collection (SCL) for Fedora versions 41 and above, as well as for Enterprise Linux versions 8 and above, including RHEL, CentOS, Alma, and Rocky. The RPM for this upcoming version can be found in the Remi repository for Fedora versions 41 and above, as well as for Enterprise Linux versions 8 and above, enabling installation alongside the system version. The SCL operates independently of the system and does not modify it. You can find the software in the remi-safe repository and install it in the /opt/remi/php85 directory. The collection presently offers version 8.5.0-alpha1, with alpha, beta, and release candidate versions anticipated in the coming weeks. Several PECL extensions are currently accessible.

PHP 8.5 as Software Collection

Version  8.5.0alpha1 has been released. It's still in development and will enter soon in the stabilization phase for the developers, and the test phase for the users (see the  schedule).

RPM of this upcoming version of PHP 8.5, are available in remi repository for Fedora ≥ 41 and Enterprise Linux ≥ 8 (RHEL, CentOS, Alma, Rocky...) in a fresh new  Software Collection (php85) allowing its installation beside the system version.

As I (still) strongly believe in SCL's potential to provide a simple way to allow installation of various versions simultaneously, and as I think it is useful to offer this feature to allow developers to test their applications, to allow sysadmin to prepare a migration or simply to use this version for some specific application, I decide to create this new SCL.

I also plan to propose this new version as a Fedora 44 change (as F43 should be released a few weeks before PHP 8.5.0).

Installation :

yum install php85

️ To be noticed:

• the SCL is independent from the system and doesn't alter it
• this SCL is available in remi-safe repository (or remi for Fedora)
• installation is under the /opt/remi/php85 tree, configuration under the /etc/opt/remi/php85 tree
• the FPM service (php85-php-fpm) is available, listening on /var/opt/remi/php85/run/php-fpm/www.sock
• the php85 command gives simple access to this new version, however, the module or scl command is still the recommended way.
• for now, the collection provides 8.5.0-alpha1, and alpha/beta/RC versions will be released in the next weeks
• some of the PECL extensions are already available, see the  extensions status page
• tracking issue  #307 can be used to follow the work in progress on RPMS of PHP and extensions
• the php85-syspaths package allows to use it as the system's default version

️ Also, read other entries about  SCL especially the description of  My PHP workstation.

$ module load php85
$ php --version
PHP 8.5.0alpha1 (cli) (built: Jul  1 2025 21:58:05) (NTS gcc x86_64)
Copyright (c) The PHP Group
Built by Remi's RPM repository  #StandWithUkraine
Zend Engine v4.5.0-dev, Copyright (c) Zend Technologies
    with Zend OPcache v8.5.0alpha1, Copyright (c), by Zend Technologies

As always, your feedback is welcome on the tracking ticket.

PHP 8.5 as Software Collection