Upcoming WordPress Update: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A new WordPress version is planned for release on April 9 this year, and it may introduce changes that could potentially disrupt some websites. Below is an overview of what this update means and how you can prepare for it.

Understanding Major WordPress Updates

WordPress is continuously maintained and improved, with updates released regularly. The latest version at the moment is WordPress 6.9, which was launched in December 2025. Between major releases, WordPress publishes smaller updates such as 6.7, 6.8, and 6.9.

Major releases typically bring new capabilities, architectural adjustments, and improvements to the user interface. Minor releases are smaller and mainly address security issues and bug fixes.

Version 6.9 mainly focused on preparing the platform for collaborative editing features. It introduced block level comments through a new Notes system, enhanced the Command Palette to help users navigate the dashboard faster, and laid early groundwork for AI integration using the Abilities API.

One of WordPress’s biggest advantages is its open source ecosystem. Developers around the world create themes and plugins that extend the platform’s functionality. However, this also means that large core updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Plugins or themes may stop working until their developers update them.

Because of this, updating WordPress immediately after a major release can sometimes cause important website features or even the entire site to malfunction.

What You Should Do When the New Version Is Released

The key recommendation is simple: do not update immediately, and never apply a major update directly on your live website.

There is no fixed waiting period before upgrading. The appropriate timing depends on your website’s setup. A WordPress website consists of the core platform, a theme or theme framework such as Divi or Elementor, and any plugins installed. All of these components must be compatible with the new version before updating.

A good starting point is to wait for the first minor update after the major release. For example, WordPress 7.0.1 will likely appear within a few weeks and usually resolves issues discovered after the wider community begins using the new version.

Next, confirm that your theme supports WordPress 7. If you use popular frameworks like Divi, Elementor, Astra, or GeneratePress, check their official updates or changelogs for compatibility announcements. Since the theme controls the overall layout and design of your site, upgrading without theme compatibility can cause major issues.

After that, review your most important plugins. Ensure that the plugins essential to your website have released updates compatible with WordPress 7. Premium and actively maintained plugins such as Gravity Forms, Yoast SEO, WPML, and WooCommerce will likely support the new version quickly. Smaller or less frequently maintained plugins may take longer.

Once all components are confirmed compatible, test the update on a staging environment. A staging site is a duplicate of your live site used for testing changes before deploying them publicly.

After updating the staging version, perform a full functionality review. Check forms, integrations, various page layouts, and any special features such as filters, animations, maps, or timelines.

If everything works correctly in staging, the update can then be applied to the live website.

For websites built entirely with well maintained premium tools, the process may take only a few weeks. Sites that rely on older or niche plugins may require more time. In some cases, older plugins may need to be replaced.

If something does break after upgrading, the only solutions are waiting for the plugin or theme developer to release a fix or replacing the affected tool. This is the reason staging tests are critical.

Another important detail is that WordPress 7.0 will increase the minimum supported PHP version to 7.4, up from 7.2. Websites running PHP 7.2 or 7.3 will not be able to install the update. Website owners should verify their PHP version with their hosting provider and upgrade if necessary. For optimal performance and security, the WordPress core team recommends PHP 8.3 or newer.

Is It Necessary to Upgrade to WordPress 7.0?

Technically, it is possible to remain on an older version such as WordPress 6.x for a limited time. However, this approach is not recommended for long term use.

WordPress officially supports only the most recent major release. Older versions might occasionally receive security patches, but there is no guarantee or consistent schedule for those updates.

In the past, WordPress has provided security fixes for older versions as a courtesy. However, that support is gradually being reduced. In 2022, support for versions 3.7 through 4.0 ended. In July 2025, support for versions 4.1 through 4.6 was discontinued as well.

This pattern indicates that older versions eventually stop receiving any security updates. Maintaining older branches becomes increasingly difficult for the development team as new versions are released.

Plugins follow a similar trend. As plugin developers update their code to support newer versions of WordPress, they often discontinue support for older versions. Over time, fewer compatible plugins will remain available, and those that still work may contain unresolved security vulnerabilities.

Avoiding updates may therefore expose a website to greater risks than performing the upgrade itself.

Will We Know What Might Break Before the Release?

Fortunately, WordPress releases development versions before the final launch. These include beta versions and release candidates that allow developers to test compatibility early.

Beta 1 for WordPress 7.0 is scheduled for February 19, 2026, and the first release candidate is expected around March 19, 2026. These pre release versions give plugin and theme developers time to prepare updates before the official release.

Testing during this period helps identify potential issues before the final version becomes widely adopted.

Features Expected in WordPress 7.0

WordPress 7.0 represents a significant milestone because it begins Phase 3 of the Gutenberg project, which focuses on collaboration and workflow improvements.

The most anticipated feature is real time collaborative editing. Similar to Google Docs, multiple users will be able to work on the same post simultaneously while seeing each other’s changes and cursor positions in real time. This capability may be introduced gradually, starting with version 7.0.

WordPress 6.9 introduced block level comments, and version 7.0 expands this into a more comprehensive communication system. Users will be able to leave notes on specific blocks or sections of text, mention teammates, and receive notifications via email or the dashboard.

Another important addition is infrastructure designed for AI powered tools. The new Abilities API and AI Client provide developers with standardized tools to integrate AI features into plugins. These features could include layout assistants, content generators, or other AI driven capabilities. WordPress itself will not include a built in AI writing tool but will enable plugins to add such functionality.

The administrative interface will also receive visual improvements. Traditional admin list tables will gradually be replaced with a newer interface called DataViews, which offers a more modern and application like experience.

As with many major releases, WordPress 7.0 is also expected to introduce a new default theme, likely called Twenty Twenty Six.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

Several proactive steps can help ensure a smooth transition to WordPress 7.0.

First, confirm that your website has a staging environment that mirrors your live site. If you do not have one yet, setting it up before April is highly recommended.

Next, review your plugin list carefully. Identify what each plugin does and remove any that are no longer necessary. For the plugins you keep, verify that they are actively maintained. Check when they were last updated and whether the developer regularly supports new WordPress versions. Plugins that have not been updated in over a year present a potential risk.

The same evaluation should be applied to your theme. If you use a major theme framework like Divi, Elementor, or Astra, monitor their announcements regarding WordPress 7 compatibility. If you rely on a custom or niche theme, discuss the upgrade plan with the developer responsible for it.

It is also important to confirm your PHP version. Websites running versions lower than PHP 7.4 will require an upgrade before installing WordPress 7.0. If possible, moving to PHP 8.3 is recommended.

If your website is managed by a developer or agency, ensure they are aware of the upcoming update and begin testing during the beta period starting February 19 rather than waiting until April.

Final Thoughts

Regular updates are a core part of why WordPress continues to be one of the most widely used content management systems. These updates help keep websites secure, modern, and capable of supporting new features.

By planning ahead, testing carefully, and preparing your website infrastructure in advance, upgrading to WordPress 7.0 can be handled smoothly.

Taking the time to prepare now helps ensure that your website remains stable, secure, and ready for future improvements.