WordPress 7.0: Release Timeline and Expected Changes

The upcoming WordPress 7.0 update is in development and has already become the talk of the town. After facing some legal and structural challenges, Automattic is getting back into the game with WordPress. It released WordPress 6.9 in December 2025 and is now ready to begin beta testing for 7.0.

WordPress 7.0 is expected to be released on 9 April 2026 at WordCamp Asia. Unlike other updates, this is a major generational update that might introduce new features in the ecosystem.

Reports indicate this release will include collaboration features to streamline workflows. Following the pattern of major releases, WordPress 5.0 introduced the Gutenberg block editor, 6.0 brought Full Site Editing capabilities, and now 7.0 will enhance real-time collaboration between teams. In this blog, we will discuss the forthcoming update and what to expect.

What is WordPress 7.0?

WordPress 7.0 core is the latest version of WordPress CMS. It’s a foundational update that will take the WordPress community into a new era focused on collaboration and AI integration.

While the update was scheduled for 2025, it was delayed by the WP Engine vs. Automattic lawsuit and Automattic’s pause on WordPress core contributions. At the end of 2025, the WordPress 6.9 update was released to get back on schedule.

The exact scope of WordPress 7.0 is not yet defined, but it is expected to enhance collaboration and AI capabilities. Here is the release timeline:

What You Can Expect From WordPress 7.0?

For years, WordPress has been a great CMS for managing and publishing content. To establish collaboration across teams and members, organizations relied on workspace tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, and Trello. But what if WordPress helps you do that in one place? Yes, it’s happening!

With WordPress 7.0, the much-anticipated phase 3 of the Gutenberg project has started. Here are some of the most crucial areas this phase focuses on: real-time collaboration, asynchronous collaboration, post-revision interface, and publishing workflows. Here are some top feature enhancements and add-ons we can expect:

Asynchronous Collaboration

WordPress 6.9 came with an asynchronous collaboration feature called ‘Notes’. It allows users to leave comments on specific content blocks, similar to Google Docs. You can add, reply to, edit, and resolve comments easily.

While the notes feature is a basic version, we can expect more enhancements in the upcoming 7.0 update. It might allow users to tag team members with @-mentions and notify them via email or push notifications.

The feedback and editing both happen on the same page, so it eliminates confusion and guesswork.

Real-Time Collaboration

Real-time collaboration is the most essential feature for content management systems. WordPress may introduce real-time co-editing features that allow multiple users to modify a page or post simultaneously.

Similar to Google Docs, this new feature may also allow users to check the edit history. Users can also see each other’s cursors and content changes instantly.

New Admin Dashboard

The team is working on making the admin dashboard more intuitive and user-friendly. Since the past few updates, they have been updating the dashboard view with the DataViews component. Instead of a complete redesign, they are focusing on smaller, gradual updates. Here is what we can expect with this update:

• Post and Page get replaced with an intuitive, app-like interface
• Filter and sort content without refreshing the page
• Get multiple layout options like List, Grid, and Table
• Persistent views will remember your preferences

Enhancement in Existing Themes

This time, WordPress breaks the tradition of introducing a new theme with a major version update. While there won’t be any “Twenty Twenty-Six” theme, they will improve existing themes like Twenty Twenty-Five.

Abilities API and AI Client

The Abilities API was introduced with WordPress 6.9. It offers plugins, themes, and the core system a standardized way to declare their functionalities. It’s like a central registry where you can know the capabilities of your site.

For AI integrations, the team is developing a WordPress AI client that integrates directly with WordPress core. Instead of integrating third-party AI plugins, users can leverage the built-in AI capabilities to streamline workflows and save time.

Whether you are using AI plugins for SEO, content generation, or image generation, WordPress’s own AI client might make your work easy.

Technical Updates

This could become an exercise for development teams. The latest 7.0 version introduces major technical changes to the WordPress core.

Minimum PHP Version Changed to 7.4

To support modern libraries, collaboration features, and AI APIs, the minimum PHP version requirement has been changed to 7.4. It was 7.2 earlier.

Here are some top reasons behind this change:

• PHP 7.4 supports consistent typing, making it easier for developers and AI tools to understand the codebase.
• Many AI SDKs require PHP 7.4 or higher versions to function properly.

Important Note: If your site runs on PHP 7.3 or lower versions, update to 8.4 or 8.5 as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the release of WordPress 7.0. Upgrading now will help you switch smoothly and resolve any issues immediately. Always use a WordPress staging site to perform updates.

How to Prepare for WordPress 7.0?

The WordPress 7.0 release is approaching, but there is no need to rush. You still have plenty of time to make necessary changes and upgrades to your site. Here’s what you should look for:

• Upgrade to WordPress 6.9: If you are not using the latest 6.9 version, start using it. Getting used to new features such as Notes and Site Editor enhancements will make your transition to 7.0 much smoother.
• Check the PHP Version: If your site is running PHP 7.3 or earlier, consider upgrading to 7.4. For best performance, we recommend using PHP 8.4 or 8.5.
• Conduct a Plugin and Theme Compatibility Audit: Major version updates can cause compatibility issues. Conduct in-depth audits of your WordPress plugins and themes to verify they are actively maintained.
• Consider Hosting Upgrades: If real-time collaboration features are implemented in the 7.0 update, they may consume additional hosting resources. Check with your WordPress hosting provider whether your plan supports WebSocket connections and increased concurrent storage. If not, switch to a higher plan with more resources.
• Start Using Collaboration Workflows: If you are working with a team, start using the Notes feature. See how it works, what needs to be updated, and what you need in the upcoming release.
• Schedule Beta Tests: Beta testing for 7.0 will start on 19 February 2026. Start testing them on staging sites to check for potential issues.
• Switch to Block Editor: If you are still using the Classic Editor, this is the best time to move to the Gutenberg Block Editor. There have been major changes in the editor since its introduction in 2018.

Closing Notes

After a period of legal battles and turbulence, WordPress is returning to focus on its long-term goals. In phase 3, the team is focusing on making collaboration easier, with WordPress 7.0 as the foundation.

7.0 is not just another update; it’s a beginning point of a new era of collaboration and AI integration. It shows that the WordPress team is ready to fulfill modern user needs while maintaining the freedom of open source.

If you need help with upgrading your WordPress setup, WPWeb Infotech is the name you can trust. With our WordPress development services, you can upgrade existing systems, establish new workflows, and modify plugins/themes. Contact us today and let’s get started!

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Rids Vazirani

Building seamless web experiences and powerful online stores, Rids brings brands closer to their audiences through WordPress and WooCommerce. As a WordPress expert at WPWeb Infotech, he focuses on designing websites that combine performance, usability, and measurable business growth.