Upcoming Changes in WordPress 5.7 – Dive Deeper and Get Excited!
WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system, powering over 30% of all websites on the internet. With the upcoming release of WordPress 5.7, site owners, developers, and content creators have a lot to look forward to. The new version promises major improvements to the Gutenberg block editor, simplified HTTPS migration, performance enhancements, and more.
In this post, we’ll dive into the key changes coming in WordPress 5.7 and why you should be excited to upgrade.
Major Changes in WordPress 5.7
WordPress 5.7 is slated for release in early 2021, with exciting changes that will benefit users across the board. Upgrading to the latest version enables you to tap into the newest features and enhance your overall WordPress experience.
Some of the highlights we’ll cover include:
- A refined Gutenberg editor, bringing us closer to the vision of Full Site Editing (FSE)
- Simplified transition to HTTPS for better security
- Under-the-hood improvements to performance
- Enhanced security protections
For site owners, developers, and content creators alike, WordPress 5.7 promises a smoother, more streamlined experience. Keep reading as we explore the upcoming changes in more depth.
Gutenberg Block Editor Enhancements
The block editor introduced in WordPress 5.0 gets even better in version 5.7. Expect refinements to existing blocks plus new blocks that support Full Site Editing (FSE).
FSE allows you to use the block editor beyond posts to customize headers, footers, and other aspects of your site. WordPress 5.7 expands FSE capabilities, moving this feature out of beta.
Other editor upgrades bring welcomed usability improvements. For example, you can now bulk select blocks to easily move, edit, or style them together.
Overall, editing will feel more intuitive for content creators of all skill levels. Developers will also appreciate new extensibility options.
HTTPS Migration Made Easy
Migrating to HTTPS is crucial for security and SEO. WordPress 5.7 streamlines this process with a guided HTTPS migration experience.
It checks your site for compatibility issues and guides you through the transition, allowing even beginners to switch to HTTPS with confidence.
Performance and Security Improvements
While the interface changes capture headlines, under-the-hood improvements bring real performance and security benefits.
WordPress 5.7 makes your site faster by optimizing database queries and loading only necessary assets. Enhanced security measures harden your site against threats.
Together, these changes create a smoother, more secure WordPress experience.
Additional Notable Updates
WordPress 5.7 contains smaller yet impactful changes like:
- Improved editor styles for content presentation
- Better management for navigation menus
- New developer APIs and site health tools
Collectively, the updates in WordPress 5.7 add up to a release packed with value.
Benefits for Different User Groups
The changes coming in WordPress 5.7 provide specific advantages for key user groups.
Website Owners
For site owners, WordPress 5.7 brings a superior content editing and presentation experience. The refined block editor empowers you to customize layouts beyond blog posts.
Upgrading also enables better performance and security for a smoother site visitor experience. Your content will shine with pro-level design capabilities.
Overall, owners gain a simpler yet more powerful WordPress site.
Developers
Developers will appreciate how 5.7 expands possibilities with Full Site Editing and new APIs. You can build innovative block-powered solutions and more customizable sites.
The update also streamlines HTTPS adoption, which benefits SEO. New site health tools will assist debugging and troubleshooting.
With 5.7, developers get more creative freedom and sustainable solutions.
Content Creators
For content teams, the editor improvements bring major quality-of-life enhancements. Creating and updating content becomes faster and more intuitive.
Improved typography and layout tools help produce polished, engaging content quickly. And HTTPS migration aids SEO and security.
Version 5.7 ultimately assists content creators in crafting and managing high-impact content with ease.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
As with any major update, WordPress 5.7 comes with some considerations. Be aware of the following as you plan your upgrade:
- Plugin and theme compatibility – Some third-party plugins and themes may need updates to work fully on 5.7. Check for compatibility issues in advance.
- Learning curve – New features like FSE may involve an initial learning process, especially for beginners. Be prepared to climb this curve with ample educational resources.
- Transition obstacles – Despite the guided update process, challenges can occur when migrating sites and content. Technical hiccups require patience and troubleshooting.
However, ample resources exist to smooth the transition. Lean on the WordPress community and professional experts for assistance adjusting to version 5.7.
Getting Ready for the Update
With preparation and foresight, upgrading to WordPress 5.7 can be smooth sailing. Here are some tips:
- Create a full site backup before updating. This safeguards your site in case of issues.
- On a staging or development environment first, test that your site functions properly on 5.7. This reveals any conflicts to address before updating production.
- Review WordPress’ official update guides for step-by-step instructions tailored to your site’s specifics.
- Consider enlisting professional assistance from a web developer or agency if you need help updating.
With the right approach, you can upgrade to WordPress 5.7 feeling confident and excited.
Conclusion
The upcoming release of WordPress 5.7 represents an exciting leap forward. The Gutenberg advancements, simplified HTTPS migration, performance improvements, and more will empower site owners, developers, and content teams alike.
To recap, with WordPress 5.7 you can look forward to:
- A more refined block editor and expanded FSE capabilities
- Easy transition to HTTPS for better security
- Under-the-hood speed and security enhancements
- Smoother WordPress experience overall
As the power and possibilities of WordPress grow, embracing new versions positions you for long-term success. We encourage you to dive in head first to WordPress 5.7 when available.
Keep up with the latest WordPress updates and helpful tips by subscribing to our mailing list. What changes are you most excited about in WordPress 5.7? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ
What is WordPress 5.7?
WordPress 5.7 is the upcoming major release of the WordPress content management system. It contains new features, enhancements, and performance improvements over the current 5.6 version.
When will WordPress 5.7 be released?
The planned release date is in early 2021, however an official date has not been announced yet by WordPress.org. Most experts expect the release sometime in Q1 or Q2 2021.
What are some of the new features in WordPress 5.7?
Some major features include an improved Gutenberg editor, expanded Full Site Editing capabilities, simplified HTTPS migration, faster performance, and enhanced security.
Do I need to update to WordPress 5.7?
It is recommended to update to stay current with the latest features and security protections. However, older versions will still be supported for some time. Updating is especially important for tapping into major new capabilities like Full Site Editing.
How do I update to WordPress 5.7?
When it releases, you can update to WordPress 5.7 manually or via auto-update. Be sure to first backup your site and test on a staging environment. Follow WordPress’ official update guide for step-by-step instructions tailored to your site.
Will my plugins and themes still work on 5.7?
Most will, but some may require compatibility updates from developers. Check each plugin and theme to confirm 5.7 compatibility before updating. Also test them first on a staging copy of your site if possible.
Who can I contact for help with the WordPress 5.7 update?
The WordPress support forums are a great free resource. For additional support, many web developers and agencies offer services to assist clients with major WordPress updates like 5.7.”