The WordPress Core development team is set to hold their weekly Developers Chat on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 15:00 UTC in the core channel on the Make WordPress Slack. This live meeting will focus heavily on the final preparations for the imminent WordPress 7.0 release, including important updates about real-time collaboration features, release candidate status, and the latest Gutenberg plugin advances.
Key Takeaways
- WordPress 7.0 Release Candidate 3 was published on May 8, signaling near-final readiness.
- Real-time collaboration feature will not be included in WordPress 7.0 due to performance concerns.
- Performance testing results for real-time collaboration have been analyzed and discussed extensively.
- Gutenberg 23.1 introduces new block editor improvements integral to upcoming releases.
- The dev chat agenda includes an open floor for ticket help and community-driven discussions.
WordPress 7.0 Release Progress and Real-Time Collaboration Status
WordPress 7.0 is approaching its stable release milestone, with Release Candidate 3 (RC3) having been issued on May 8. This indicates that the core development team is focused on finalizing fixes and polishing the release ahead of its official launch. For most WordPress sites, this means that testing and feedback are critical at this stage to ensure a smooth upgrade path.
One of the key feature candidates, real-time collaboration, which would enable multiple users to edit content simultaneously within the block editor, has been officially deferred and will not ship with WordPress 7.0. Our analysis of the performance testing results shared by the team reveals that while the feature is promising, the current implementation introduces latency and stability issues that could degrade user experience on production sites.
Real-time collaboration requires complex synchronization and network communication mechanisms that add overhead beyond the typical block editor workflow. In real-world deployments, especially on shared hosting or lower-resource environments, these challenges become more pronounced. The Core Team’s decision to delay this feature reflects a prudent approach prioritizing stability and overall quality in WordPress 7.0.
Gutenberg 23.1 Update and Its Impact on Core
The Gutenberg plugin, which serves as the upstream project for block editor enhancements, released version 23.1 on May 7, bringing a suite of improvements that will cascade into WordPress 7.0 and future releases. This update includes refined block controls, accessibility fixes, and performance optimizations.
For developers and agencies, staying current with Gutenberg releases remains essential because many new editor capabilities debut first there before merging into core. The 23.1 release further stabilizes the block editor and introduces API enhancements that will help plugin and theme developers build more integrated and dynamic editing experiences.
Following these updates closely ensures compatibility and allows teams to leverage new features early in their projects. You can track ongoing Gutenberg development and participate in testing through the official Gutenberg plugin repository.
Community Engagement and Open Floor Discussion
The May 13 dev chat agenda also dedicates time for community members to raise any topic or request assistance with specific tickets. This open floor approach allows contributors to bring up pressing issues, propose new ideas, or seek feedback on patches targeted for the upcoming major or maintenance releases.
Tickets prioritized for the next release milestone are given special attention during these chats. Contributors are encouraged to share ticket links and indicate their availability to participate live or asynchronously. This fosters collaboration and helps maintain momentum on critical fixes and feature development.
What This Means for WordPress Users
As WordPress 7.0 nears release, site owners and developers should prepare for an update that focuses on stability and incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking new features like real-time collaboration. Testing RC3 in staging environments is advisable to identify any compatibility issues early.
The postponement of real-time collaboration signals that WordPress continues to prioritize reliability over rushing features that may not yet meet quality standards. Agencies and plugin developers should monitor Gutenberg releases closely, as the block editor enhancements there will shape the editing experience for months to come.
Participating in dev chats or following their summaries provides invaluable insight into the project’s direction and helps practitioners align their roadmaps. The open floor format also means that community input can still influence final touches before release, so engagement remains critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is real-time collaboration not included in WordPress 7.0?
Performance testing revealed that the current implementation introduces latency and instability that could negatively affect users. The feature is being delayed to allow further refinement and ensure a high-quality experience.
What should developers do to prepare for WordPress 7.0?
Developers should test their themes and plugins against the 7.0 Release Candidate 3 to identify compatibility issues. Following Gutenberg plugin updates is also important since many editor improvements first appear there.
How can community members participate in the dev chat?
Community members can join the live chat on Make WordPress Slack in the core channel at the scheduled time or contribute asynchronously by commenting on the agenda with topics or ticket links.
