The majority of websites, around 43%, are powered by WordPress which manages to remain current with its updates and user needs. According to the WordPress development chart, the new release will be on November 12, 2024, and its name will be WordPress 6.7. This new version is expected to be full of exciting features that will enhance user experience and site-building capabilities.
This is especially important considering the recent WordPress 6.6.2 update, which addressed crucial security vulnerabilities. WordPress 6.7 continues this commitment to a secure and robust platform.
This blog post delves into the beta releases of WordPress 6.7, exploring the key changes, and new features, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of WordPress.
WordPress 6.7 Development Cycle and Release Schedule:
| Date | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 5, 2024 | 6.7 Pre-planning Post | Initial planning and discussion for WordPress 6.7. |
| June 25, 2024 | Alpha Begins | The trunk is open for development, and alpha versions are released for early testing. |
| October 1, 2024 | Beta 1 | Focus on testing and fixing bugs. Dev Notes and About page are started. Download Beta 1 |
| October 8, 2024 | Beta 2 | Further bug fixes and testing. Continued work on Dev Notes and About page. Download Beta 2 |
| October 15, 2024 | Beta 3 | Final beta release with a focus on polishing features and addressing critical bugs. Download Beta 3 |
| October 22, 2024 | Release Candidate 1 | Feature freeze. Focus shifts to final testing and bug fixing. Field Guide with Dev Notes is published. |
| October 29, 2024 | Release Candidate 2 | Continued testing and bug fixing. |
| November 5, 2024 | Release Candidate 3 | Final release candidate. Last chance to identify critical issues. |
| November 11, 2024 | Dry Run for Release and 24-hour Code Freeze | Final preparations for the official release. |
| November 12, 2024 | WordPress 6.7 Release | The official stable release of WordPress 6.7 has been launched. |
1. WordPress 6.7 Beta 1
Starting from this particular beta release, the members of the WordPress community first had a chance to get a glimpse at what WordPress 6.7 would bring when it was accessible to users. Beta 1 introduced significant new features and enhancements that users were invited to test and provide feedback on.
Testing WordPress 6.7 Beta 1:
- WordPress Beta Tester Plugin: Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin, select “Bleeding edge” and “Beta/RC Only”.
- Direct Download: Download the Beta 1 version (zip) from here.
- Command Line (WP-CLI): Use the command wp core update –version=6.7-beta1
- WordPress Playground: Test directly in your browser with a 6.7 Beta 1 WordPress Playground instance.
Highlights of WordPress 6.7 Beta 1:
- Introducing Twenty Twenty-Five Theme: The new default WordPress 6.7 theme concentrates on the creation, utilizing patterns and styles as per the user’s requirement for the rapid construction of sites.
- Zoom Out with Patterns: This enables the user to edit and compose at the seam of the pattern level which makes the design process easy.
- Media Improvements: The media tires support HEIC format upload, the images in lazy loading mode are automatically sized, and the background images are expanded.
- Expanding Block Supports: Addition of shadow support and other enhanced support options for the group block elements.
- Preview Options API: Developers have more options when it comes to content previews in the block editor.
- Refined Data Views: More work has been targeted toward improving existing data views such that they become even more versatile and functional.
2. WordPress 6.7 Beta 2
Beta 2 was building on what was left by Beta 1, in particular, working out bugs and polishing up the service by the community. This is the latest version which demonstrates the fact that WordPress has a process for its development where every stage improves on the last one.
Testing WordPress 6.7 Beta 2:
- WordPress Beta Tester Plugin: Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin, select “Bleeding edge” and “Beta/RC Only”.
- Direct Download: Download the Beta 2 version (zip) from here.
- Command Line (WP-CLI): Use the command wp core update –version=6.7-beta2
- WordPress Playground: Use the 6.7 Beta 2 WordPress Playground instance to test directly in your browser.
Highlights of WordPress 6.7 Beta 2:
- Over 18 Editor Updates and Fixes: This release addressed critical bugs and incorporated community feedback to refine the editor experience.
- Emphasis on Bug Fixes: Beta 2 aimed to create a more stable and reliable experience.
3. WordPress 6.7 Beta 3
In what is now the last beta version before the release candidates, Beta 3 was dedicated to finalizing the beta version features, fixing all severe bugs, and preparing the users who would be changing from previous versions of WordPress.
Testing WordPress 6.7 Beta 3:
- WordPress Beta Tester Plugin: Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin, select “Bleeding edge” and “Beta/RC Only”.
- Direct Download: Download the Beta 3 version (zip) from here.
- Command Line (WP-CLI): Use the command wp core update –version=6.7-beta3
- WordPress Playground: Use the 6.7 Beta 3 WordPress Playground instance to test directly in your browser.
Highlights of WordPress 6.7 Beta 3:
- Over 26 Editor Updates and Fixes: Continued focus on refining the editor and incorporating user feedback.
- Polishing and Refinement: This release emphasized stability and a polished user experience in preparation for the final release.
Release Candidate 1: The Countdown to Launch Begins!
On October 22, 2024, WordPress 6.7 will enter the Release Candidate phase with Release Candidate 1. This marks a significant shift in the development cycle:
- Feature Freeze: There will be no more features introduced. Reports will only focus on areas such as tightening up loose ends, performance boosting, and stability.
- Field Guide and Dev Notes: There will be an official Numbered Field Guide for WordPress 6.7 released, as well as comprehensive Dev Notes with all changes and developments made. These documents are very useful to both developers as well as advanced users in trying to grasp the technicalities of the new version.
- Testing and Feedback: It is strongly suggested that the Release Candidate be tested by the members of the community and feedback is provided to enable the final release to carry along with ease of use and success.
Key Features to Watch in WordPress 6.7
WordPress 6.7 is set to be a very robust release and one that has features that will focus on enhancing the overall editing experience across the board, helping developers, and improving the performance of the application as well. These are the key features to watch for:
- Twenty Twenty-Five Theme: Increasing the adaptability of the new default theme allows for greater flexibility, which also increases the possibilities of site-building.
- Zoom Out View with Patterns: Editing on the pattern level should make design processes and workflows considerably more seamless.
- Expanded Block Support: Additional block styles provide users with more choices regarding how they want their content to appear.
- Improved Media Handling: Incorporating HEIC support and better image handling will make the processes smoother and more efficacious.
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