We are starting to learn what the biggest changes and improvements introduced with WordPress 7.0 will be, including shared editing, new blocks, and PHP support.

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Program transcript

Hello, I’m Alicia Ireland, and you’re listening to WPpodcast, bringing the weekly news from the WordPress Community.

In this episode, you’ll find the information from January 19 to 25, 2026.

Where is WordPress heading? This is probably one of the most common questions asked by anyone who uses WordPress or is even slightly involved in the community, and it seems that, at least, we now have some answers about what is planned for 2026.

For this year, everything is focused on generating and maintaining momentum within the WordPress community, building on what already works and making it easier for more people to participate actively. Leadership is looking for clarity around priorities and contribution paths, reducing friction and turning community energy into sustained progress.

For Core, the plan is to return to three major releases per year, starting with WordPress 7.0 at WordCamp Asia, and introducing significant improvements such as real time collaborative editing, APIs for AI assistants compatible with multiple providers, client side media processing, and expanded adaptive design controls.

Beyond technical development, the initiative places strong emphasis on strengthening the community, education, and...

First details of WordPress 7.0