Using the latest official builds (such as v25.2 or v25.3 ) ensures you have the most recent bug fixes from Adobe. Unlike unofficial "patches," official updates provide:

: Users could filter fonts by characteristics like weight and width, and preview fonts directly on the canvas. System Requirements

: You can now sample colors from any image or artwork to instantly change the palette of your design. Repeat Features Mirror Repeat

The 2021 update focused on improving creative workflows through "intelligent" tools and cross-platform flexibility:

In some contexts, "patched" refers to unofficial versions modified to bypass Adobe's licensing system. Broken plug-in with Adobe Illustrator CC 2021 25.1 on macOS