RDS MySQL 5.7.4 force upgrade

Based on the information provided, Amazon Aurora MySQL 2.x (compatible with MySQL 5.7) will reach the end of standard support on October 31, 2024 (not 2025 as mentioned in your question). After this date, you have an option to continue using MySQL 5.7 through RDS Extended Support.

Starting October 31, 2024, AWS will automatically enroll your Aurora MySQL 2.x databases into RDS Extended Support, which specifically supports versions 2.11.x and 2.12.x. This means:

1. You can continue running your MySQL 5.7-compatible database after the end of standard support.
2. RDS Extended Support charges will begin on December 1, 2024.
3. You can use Extended Support for up to three years (until February 28, 2027).
4. You don't need to manually opt-in to Extended Support.

However, there are important considerations:

• Only Aurora MySQL versions 2.11.x and 2.12.x are supported in Extended Support, so ensure your database is running one of these minor versions before October 31, 2024.
• Extended Support will incur additional charges based on vCPU per hour for provisioned instances.
• The charges will continue until you upgrade to MySQL 8.0 or delete/stop the database.

While Extended Support gives you more time to plan your upgrade, it's still recommended to upgrade to Aurora MySQL 3 (compatible with MySQL 8.0) as soon as possible. The upgrade process requires thorough testing and planning, as it involves a major version change that may have compatibility implications for your applications.
Sources
Announcement: Amazon Aurora MySQL 2.x end of standard support is on October 31, 2024 | AWS re:Post