The WordPress Core Team is gearing up for its next Developer Chat, scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 15:00 UTC. Taking place in the #core channel on the Make WordPress Slack, this live meeting will focus on critical updates for WordPress 7.0, recent developments in Gutenberg, and other key topics shaping the future of the platform.
Key Takeaways
- The WordPress 7.0 release schedule remains on hold pending validation of a new release candidate.
- Gutenberg 22.9 introduces new features and refinements, with feedback encouraged.
- Topics like “Defining expectations for Iteration issues” and “Elevating Individuals” will be discussed.
- Open floor time allows contributors to raise tickets and propose ideas for upcoming releases.
WordPress 7.0: Current Status and Next Steps
One of the key agenda points for this Dev Chat is the status of WordPress 7.0. The release schedule remains in limbo as the Core Team works to validate a new release candidate. This pause reflects WordPress’s ongoing commitment to stability and quality assurance. Developers and contributors are encouraged to bring ticket requests or pull requests (PRs) to the meeting or leave comments ahead of time for asynchronous review.
WordPress 7.0 is expected to include significant advancements, particularly in performance optimization and the integration of new APIs to enhance developer workflows. While details on specific features remain sparse, contributors are urged to monitor the official agenda for updates.
Gutenberg 22.9: What’s New?
Released on April 8, Gutenberg 22.9 introduces a range of new features designed to enhance block editing capabilities. Although specifics were not detailed in the agenda, previous updates in the Gutenberg plugin have focused on improving the block editor’s user experience and accessibility, as well as refining patterns and templates for site design. The Core Team is likely to discuss feedback and potential refinements to these new features during the chat.
For developers working with custom blocks or themes dependent on Gutenberg, this update may impact compatibility and workflow. Testing your projects against the latest version is essential to ensure seamless operation.
Key Discussion Topics
The upcoming Developer Chat sets the stage for several critical discussions. Among them:
- Defining expectations for Iteration issues: Led by @annezazu, this topic aims to establish clear guidelines for handling iteration-related issues in the development lifecycle.
- Elevating Individuals: Proposed by @matt, this discussion focuses on recognizing and empowering contributors within the WordPress ecosystem.
These discussions reflect a strategic focus on improving collaboration and contributor engagement, both of which are vital for the platform’s growth.
Open Floor: Your Chance to Contribute
The open floor portion of the Developer Chat allows participants to bring forward any topic for discussion. Whether it’s a pressing issue with tickets in the milestone for the next release or a new initiative proposal, this time is designed for collaboration and community feedback. Contributors are encouraged to include detailed links when raising issues to ensure productive dialogue.
For context, our previous plugin team coverage tracks how similar open-floor sessions have led to actionable outcomes in past releases.
What This Means for WordPress Users
For developers and site owners, these Dev Chats are more than just meetings—they’re a chance to influence the direction of WordPress development. If you’re contributing to WordPress 7.0 or have feedback on Gutenberg 22.9, this is the time to make your voice heard. Tickets and PRs discussed in these chats often set the priorities for upcoming releases.
Agencies and freelancers should pay close attention to announcements regarding WordPress 7.0’s release schedule. Prolonged delays could impact project timelines, especially if you’re planning on leveraging new features or enhancements in your workflows. Testing your projects against the latest Gutenberg update is also crucial to avoid compatibility issues.
Finally, the focus on “Elevating Individuals” signals WordPress’s ongoing effort to foster a more inclusive and empowered contributor community. This could lead to new opportunities for emerging voices in the ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the WordPress Developer Chat?
The Developer Chat serves as a collaborative meeting where WordPress contributors discuss upcoming releases, prioritize tickets, and explore key topics affecting the Core Team.
How can I participate in the Developer Chat?
To participate, join the #core channel on Make WordPress Slack at the scheduled time. You can also leave comments on the agenda post to nominate discussion topics or share links to tickets.
What should I know about WordPress 7.0?
WordPress 7.0 is currently in development, with the release schedule on hold pending further testing of a new release candidate. It is expected to include performance enhancements and new developer features.
