WordPress 7.0 “Armstrong” was released on May 20, 2026. The release announcement highlights a new AI Client and connection hub, a refreshed dashboard, a Command Palette, font management, and new blocks and design tools. Real-time collaboration was removed from the 7.0 release cycle before launch, so do not expect that feature from this version. A major release can affect themes, plugins, and editorial workflows; plan the upgrade rather than treating the feature list as a compatibility guarantee.

Before upgrading

  1. Check the WordPress dashboard and official release notes for the current supported version.
  2. Make a recent files-and-database backup.
  3. Review compatibility information for your active theme and plugins.
  4. If available, test the update on staging using representative editors, forms, and site features.

After the update

Confirm that the public site loads, the dashboard is accessible, and essential user journeys work. Check image uploads and editor behavior. Keep an eye on error logs and user reports during the following days.

The release announcement describes new capabilities, but features may depend on the theme, plugins, hosting configuration, or user role. Use a staging copy to verify what applies to your site.

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