AEM Service Packs Vs Feature Packs

[Rama_KrishnaNy]

Hi all,

AEM Service Packs Vs Feature Packs:

What is the difference in their purposes?

Which one to use when?

Appreciate your responses.

Thanks,

RK.

[giuseppebag · Accepted solution]

Here’s a comparison between AEM Service Packs and Feature Packs, focusing on their purposes and when to use each:

AEM Service Packs

Purpose:

• Service Packs are comprehensive, cumulative updates for AEM.

• They include bug fixes, security patches, performance improvements, and sometimes minor new features or enhancements14.

• They are released regularly and are the primary method for keeping your AEM instance up to date and supported.

When to Use:

• Always install the latest Service Pack to ensure your AEM environment is secure, stable, and supported.

• Use Service Packs for routine maintenance, to address known issues, and to benefit from incremental improvements14.

• Service Packs are mandatory for ongoing support and compatibility with other Adobe updates.

AEM Feature Packs

Purpose:

• Feature Packs are add-on packages that deliver new features, enhancements, or specific product improvements ahead of their inclusion in the next Service Pack or major release.

• They are often released to meet specific customer needs or to provide early access to features scheduled for future releases.

• Feature Packs are dependent on the latest Service Pack and are merged into subsequent Service Packs.

When to Use:

• Use a Feature Pack if you need a specific new feature or enhancement that is not yet available in the latest Service Pack.

• Feature Packs are not required for all users—only install them if your use case or project requires the functionality they provide.

• After the next Service Pack is released, the Feature Pack’s content will typically be included, so you may eventually remove the standalone Feature Pack.

https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-release-information/aem-release-update... 

[K_M_K_Srikanth]

Hi @Rama_KrishnaNy 

Difference between AEM Service Packs and Feature Packs:

Service Packs (SPs)

• Focused on bug fixes, performance improvements, and security updates

• Released regularly (e.g., quarterly)

• Backward-compatible and essential for maintaining system stability

• 🧩 Examples:

  • AEM 6.5.20.0: Security patches, page editor & workflow fixes

  • AEM 6.5.18.0: Smart Tags fix, PDF preview enhancement

Feature Packs (FPs)

• Add new features or enhancements not in the base product

• Released as needed

• May require additional testing/configuration

• Examples:

  • FP 18912: Smart Tags using Adobe Sensei

  • FP 23317: Export Experience Fragments to Adobe Target

  • FP 21961: AEM Assets integration with Brand Portal

  • FP 26712: Asset Selector for external tools

Summary:
Service Packs = Stability & Security

Feature Packs = Innovation & New Capabilities