WordPress 7.0 will be the first major release of 2026, scheduled for release on April 9, 2026, live during WordCamp Asia 2026 Contributor Day. This will also be the first time a WordPress version is released during a WordCamp.
With the Beta version now available, we can explore the new features and changes we can expect in the upcoming release.
Expected New Features and Changes in WordPress 7.0
View Transitions in Core
The View Transitions plugin, introduced by the WordPress Core Performance Team last year, has been merged into the core. With this, cross-document View Transitions support is now enabled in the wp-admin area, and for the time being, it will be limited to the admin area and not to the front end, as confirmed by Felix Arntz.
Dashboard Refresh
In the beta version, we can see minor changes in the dashboard regarding the visuals. Firstly, the text input fields are a bit bigger, and the outline border also has a deeper contrast.
For comparison, below is the text input field in WordPress 6.9:
Besides this, there is also a change in the color scheme profile. The “Modern” color profile, which was available in WordPress 6.9, is now renamed to “Default” and set as the default color profile in WordPress 7.0. The color scheme profile called “Default” in WordPress 6.9 has been renamed to “Fresh” in the beta version.
Visual Revisions
The revision system has undergone a major update and now includes a new “Revisions” screen within the editor. This screen features a slider that lets you view changes made at different points in time. Additions are highlighted in green, while removed content is shown in red.
Real Time Collaboration
One of the most anticipated features in WordPress 7.0 allows multiple users to edit the same page or post at the same time, similar to how collaboration works in Google Docs.
In Beta 3, the option for collaboration is enabled by default, which can be confirmed by heading to Settings > Writing.
When multiple users are working on the same page or post, the editor indicates when a new user joins, displays each user’s cursor position, and shows their profile at the top of the editor.
Besides this, there is also real-time syncing of Notes.
Responsive Editing Mode
This feature lets you decide which content blocks appear on different screen sizes directly from the editor. You can choose to show or hide blocks for desktop, tablet, or mobile views without writing CSS or modifying the theme.
Font Library Update
With the upcoming release, the Font Library support has been extended to better support classic themes. A new dedicated Fonts option will now be available in the Appearance tab, making font management easier.
Customizable Navigation Overlays
This allows users to design mobile navigation overlays directly in the Site Editor using blocks and patterns.
PHP-only block registration
Developers will be able to build blocks using only PHP. These blocks automatically appear in the editor without needing any JavaScript registration.
Connectors UI
The new Connector UI page allows users to manage all of their third-party AI connections from one location. The new menu resides in Settings > Connector.
Block updates
Heading Block
Now choosing the heading levels is much more straightforward as they are available as block variations.
Two New Blocks
WordPress 7.0 will introduce a new Icon and Breadcrumbs block. The icon block will allow users to add one or more icons along with limited styling.
The Breadcrumbs block will reflect the site navigation automatically.
Cover Block Enhancement
There will be support to embed video from URL in the cover block with the release of the upcoming version.
Grid Block
The block is now responsive, and users can make use of the minimum column width and columns controls at the same time now.
Gallery Block
The block now has lightbox support along with a new content tab in the settings.
Miscellaneous Changes
There’s a proposal for merging WP AI Client into WordPress 7.0, there are several Iframed Editor changes arriving, Interactivity API changes,pseudo-element support for blocks and their variations in theme.json, and improvements to DataViews.
Besides this, there’s also an open call for testing the Pattern editing and content-only interactivity in WordPress 7.0. The upcoming release will also introduce Client-side media processing.
Overall, the upcoming WordPress release looks exciting, even though we’ll have to wait and see which of these features make it into the final release.