WordPress 7.0 Insights by Alex Borto: Discover What’s New for Web Professionals!

WordPress 7.0 was launched on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, a few weeks behind the original schedule. Initially set for April 9, the core team postponed the release to polish some architectural features related to real-time collaboration. However, this functionality will not be included in version 7.0 and is set to be reassessed for the next update (7.1).

In a turbulent period for the WordPress ecosystem, this update signifies a pivotal evolution for the CMS, which powers 43% of websites. To clarify, Alex Borto, founder of WPMarmite, breaks down what WP 7.0 specifically offers to web professionals for BDM.

Of all the new features in WordPress 7.0, which is the most crucial for web professionals, and why?

Undoubtedly, it would be the introduction of the AI Connection page (under Settings > Connectors). The goal here is to provide a standardized infrastructure that enables direct integration of various language models (like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google…) into WordPress.

Plugins and themes can utilize this common layer to offer AI functionalities without needing to reinvent the wheel for every project.

Contrary to what some “experts” claim on social media, AI is not natively integrated into WordPress.

It’s about connectors that are available to WordPress solution publishers and developers.

However, there is a plugin named “AI Experiments” that leverages these connectors to generate texts and images. While basic, it demonstrates the potential applications of this feature.

Does this new version represent a structural evolution for the CMS? If yes, why?

Yes, absolutely. However, it’s not just one feature that will revolutionize everything. It’s important to understand that WordPress 7.0 lays the groundwork for the entire ecosystem to build upon.

While AI connectors have been discussed, they are just the tip of the iceberg. What seems most structurally significant in the long run is the combined introduction of the AI Client and the Abilities API.

The AI Client is a layer that enables WordPress to communicate with any language model. The Abilities API goes further, allowing plugins to declare what they can do with AI and make these capabilities available to other plugins or themes. For instance, an SEO plugin might expose a capability like “rewrite a title” that another tool can use without having to code the same feature.

We are finally moving away from a model where each plugin integrates AI on its own, each with its implementation. This will have a massive impact on the entire ecosystem.

What will change in the daily operations for an agency or freelancer managing WordPress sites with this update?

Several concrete changes will occur.

Introduction of AI Connectors in WordPress

A significant immediate benefit is the introduction of AI connectors. This feature will enable the creation and refinement of content, perform SEO/GEO optimizations, and much more on client sites using tools like Claude Code or Cowork.

Custom CSS Application at the Block Level

Another advantage is the ability to apply custom CSS directly at the block level. While it may seem a minor detail, it prevents the need for multiple custom CSS classes for specific cases and speeds up visual micro-adjustments. However, it should be used sparingly.

Adding and Managing Fonts from the Admin Panel

WordPress 7.0 will also introduce a menu to manage the fonts of a site. Previously, this was only available in themes based on blocks. Site creators can now add and manage their fonts from the admin panel, regardless of the theme used, under Appearance > Fonts, without needing a third-party plugin.

Enhanced Revision Management

The last notable improvement is the management of revisions. Before WP 7.0, comparing two versions of a page meant reading raw HTML. Even for web professionals, that’s not ideal.

Now, changes are visually displayed in the block editor: text removed in red, added in green. It’s much clearer and facilitates discussions with clients who make changes without notice.

What are the critical points to consider before migrating to version 7.0?

The basic rule remains the same: do not migrate in production on day one. Perform a full backup, test on a site copy, and check the compatibility of plugins and themes.

For a project manager or team aiming to make the most of WordPress 7.0, what are some practical tips for mastering this new version?

Start by exploring the command palette, accessible via Cmd+K or Ctrl+K on Windows. It was already present in previous versions, but it is now prominently displayed in the toolbar, making it much more visible.

This is the kind of small habit that saves time without us really noticing.

For the curious: set up an AI connector in Settings > Connectors and install the mentioned AI Experiments plugin. More connectors will be added in the future (Open Router is among the upcoming ones).

After a tumultuous 2025 for the WordPress ecosystem, can this version restore confidence in the community, or are there still uncertainties?

2025 was a challenging year for many WordPress professionals. Tensions around the governance of the project created noise and uncertainty for various stakeholders (publishers, service providers, contributors, and other community members).

Does WordPress 7.0 erase all that? Not at all. We even witnessed a new chapter following the acquisition of WPackagist by the hosting provider WP Engine.

Despite this, the new version sends a positive signal: development continues, and the CMS keeps evolving to keep up with technological advancements.

Notably, WordPress has returned to a cadence of three major releases per year, which was the usual pace before the period of turbulence.

As we’ve seen, WordPress is gradually integrating AI into its platform. What might a professional’s daily routine look like working with WordPress in the next three to five years?

It’s hard to project three to five years into the future with the pace at which things are moving. Instead, I’ll share a belief: websites won’t disappear, but they’ll need to adapt to an environment where AI agents increasingly fetch information autonomously, bypassing traditional browsers or interfaces. I encourage readers to test the official MCP to be at the forefront of these developments.

This shift could challenge many business models that have structured our sector for years, particularly display advertising and affiliate marketing. If a growing portion of users delegates their browsing to agents, the traffic and conversion mechanisms we know today will not work in the same way.

For web professionals, the question isn’t so much “should I adopt AI” but “how do I build sites that remain useful and visible in an ecosystem where AI is becoming unavoidable.”

By embracing the AI shift, WordPress will provide us with all the tools to navigate this paradigm shift and guide both our clients and users.