The Bedrock bridge (Geyser, Floodgate) and the version-compatibility tool ViaVersion are updated often to keep up with Minecraft releases. You no longer have to track those updates by hand.
How it works
In the Settings section of the server panel, the Java + Bedrock card shows the installed version. If a newer one exists, an update button appears; clicking it updates the components safely and restarts the server once. Your configuration and world are preserved.
The bridge also converges on the target version by itself every time your server starts. So even if you do nothing day to day, players joining from a phone keep getting in after a Minecraft update.
Why it matters
When the Bedrock client updates, an old bridge may not recognise the new client and players can't connect. This is the most common cause of downtime on cross-play servers, and it usually shows up one morning without the owner having changed anything.
Keeping the bridge current removes most of that. A current bridge means fewer connection problems.
Who can use it?
Java + Bedrock cross-play is available on Paper, Purpur, Spigot and CraftBukkit servers, on Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer, from 4 GB upward. There's no extra charge; it's included with your package.
Setup is a single button in the panel — no downloads and no config editing. For detail, see the cross-play guide.