Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
In an effort to make the web more inclusive, WordPress Accessibility Day 2025 is set to captivate the global community this week. This free, 24-hour livestream event, scheduled for October 15-16, is designed to demystify website accessibility for WordPress professionals. It promises practical sessions that cater to all skill levels, potentially transforming how agencies and developers approach client site improvements.
Registration for WordPress Accessibility Day is open to everyone, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with a series of scheduled talks and take advantage of special sponsor giveaways. The event’s accessible nature ensures that content creators, developers, and agency teams alike will gain actionable strategies to enhance website accessibility. For those unable to attend live, replays will be made available on the event’s dedicated YouTube channel, ensuring the invaluable insights can be accessed at any time.
WP Engine’s Legal Battle with Automattic Intensifies
In a separate major development, WP Engine has reignited its legal confrontation with Automattic, filing six amended claims in a 175-page document. This follows a court ruling that previously dismissed some of WP Engine’s claims, including attempted extortion and trademark misuse, but left room for refinement on others. The new claims focus on serious allegations such as attempted monopolization, illegal tying, and violations of both the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Lanham Act.
The legal stakes are high, with discovery set to conclude next month and a jury trial scheduled for February 2027. This legal drama underscores the competitive tensions simmering within the WordPress ecosystem, potentially impacting how major players like WP Engine and Automattic operate moving forward.
Gmail’s Shift: End of POP and Gmailify Support
A significant change is looming for Gmail users, as Google announced the cessation of support for the “check mail from other accounts” feature via POP and the Gmailify service. Effective January 2026, users will no longer be able to integrate these features, though IMAP support remains. This shift will affect workflows for many who relied on these functionalities for streamlined email management.
Google continues to offer alternatives, allowing email forwarding and “Send mail as” capabilities, though users may face increased spam or deliverability issues. Guides have been published by Google to assist users in adapting to these changes, including instructions for adding external accounts via IMAP and migrating enterprise email data to Google Workspace.
What To Do
- Agency Teams: Attend WordPress Accessibility Day sessions to enhance client site offerings and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
- Developers: Explore the implications of the WP Engine vs. Automattic case for potential shifts in WordPress platform dynamics.
- Email Managers: Review Google’s published guides to adjust email configurations ahead of the January 2026 changes to Gmail services.
