The update will affect all levels of the site, but you will not have to learn the new radical material if you prefer the old names (more on how that will work when we’re closer to the release date). Though it will be most beneficial if you slowly switch over on your own. Both radical names and kanji mnemonics are going to be updated in the change.
But again, there’s no reason to let that stop you from using the site or continuing on as normal. It’s going to take a bit still before all the content is ready to rollout.