PhpStorm 2025.3 Brings Bundled Laravel Support, PHP 8.5, and New AI Agents

On December 8th, 2025, JetBrains released PhpStorm 2025.3, a significant update that enhances the development experience for PHP developers, particularly those working with the Laravel framework. This version introduces bundled support for Laravel, full compatibility with PHP 8.5, and the integration of advanced AI agents to streamline coding processes.

New Features in PhpStorm 2025.3

The latest version of PhpStorm comes packed with features that cater to the evolving needs of developers. Here’s a detailed look at the key enhancements:

Bundled Laravel Support

One of the most notable changes in PhpStorm 2025.3 is the inclusion of native Laravel support. Previously, developers had to install the Laravel Idea plugin separately, but now it is integrated directly into the IDE. This change allows developers to access essential Laravel features without additional setup or costs.

• Route, view, config, translation, and Blade navigation are now available out-of-the-box.
• Developers can utilize quality-of-life helpers, including container and facade-aware completion, Eloquent model helpers, and artisan integrations.
• Adel Faizrakhmanov, the creator of Laravel Idea, will continue to deliver new Laravel features as part of PhpStorm.

Support for PHP 8.5

PhpStorm 2025.3 fully supports PHP 8.5, allowing developers to leverage the latest features of the language. Users can set their project language level to PHP 8.5 to experiment with new functionalities. Key highlights of PHP 8.5 support include:

• Cloning objects with properties.
• Closures in constant expressions.
• Pipe operator (|>).
• #[NoDiscard] attribute for better code management.
• Final property promotion, enabling constructor parameters marked as final to be treated like promoted properties.
• Asymmetric visibility for static properties.
• New array_first() and array_last() functions.
• Attributes for constants that target their own declarations.
• Improvements in generics.

AI Integration with JetBrains

JetBrains has made significant strides in integrating AI into its IDEs. The introduction of Claude Agent marks the first third-party AI agent natively integrated into JetBrains products. This multi-agent experience enhances the development workflow by allowing seamless switching between AI agents for different tasks.

• Claude Agent and Junie are now available in a unified chat interface.
• Developers can track their AI credits, renewal dates, and top-up balances directly within the IDE.
• Improved setup for MCP server configurations, making it easier to import settings from other tools.
• Upcoming “Bring Your Own Key” (BYOK) feature will allow developers to connect their API keys from OpenAI or other providers, offering more flexibility in AI usage.

New Islands Theme

PhpStorm 2025.3 also introduces the Islands theme, which is now the default visual style of the IDE. This theme is designed to enhance user comfort and productivity:

• Recognizable tabs and improved in-editor contrast.
• Clear separation between working areas for better focus.
• Rounded corners for a softer visual experience.

How to Get PhpStorm 2025.3

PhpStorm 2025.3 is readily available for download through various channels:

• JetBrains Toolbox App.
• IDE update mechanism.
• Direct download from the JetBrains website.

Conclusion

With the release of PhpStorm 2025.3, JetBrains has significantly enhanced the development experience for PHP and Laravel developers. The bundled Laravel support, full compatibility with PHP 8.5, and the integration of AI agents provide a powerful toolkit for modern development needs. These updates not only streamline workflows but also empower developers to leverage the latest advancements in technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The release of PhpStorm 2025.3 marks a significant step forward for developers, providing them with the tools necessary to excel in their projects.