In a significant move for the WordPress community, Automattician Héctor Prieto has unveiled the anticipated schedule for major WordPress releases in 2025. This plan mirrors the structure of 2024, featuring three key releases, each meticulously timed to accommodate year-end festivities and pivotal events such as WordCamp Asia and WordCamp Europe.
The timeline for these releases includes:
– **WordPress 6.8**: Beta 1 is set for March 4, with the stable release scheduled for April 15.
– **WordPress 6.9**: Beta 1 will launch on June 24, followed by a stable release on August 5.
– **WordPress 7.0**: The final beta is planned for September 30, culminating in a stable release on November 11.
Prieto noted that while the dates for the 6.8 release are not yet final, they are sufficiently established to allow contributors to plan their availability around these dates. Community feedback is actively encouraged, with contributors invited to voice their thoughts on the schedule before November 29, 2024, either in the comments section of the official post or through a Slack direct message.
The call for volunteers for the WordPress 6.8 release has already begun, with a focus on assembling a robust team for the upcoming iteration. This release aims to incorporate up to Gutenberg 20.4, with an allowance for a maximum of 11 releases. The 6.8 version is expected to be significant in enhancing the WordPress ecosystem.
Several key roles are available for volunteers, including:
– Release Coordinator(s)
– Core Tech Lead(s)
– Editor Tech Lead(s)
– Core Triage Lead(s)
– Editor Triage Lead(s)
– Documentation Lead(s)
– Test Lead(s)
– Design Lead(s)
– Performance Lead(s)
Interestingly, there will be no new default theme for WordPress 6.8, which means there will be no designated theme lead role this time around. The leadership for the release will be determined by project leadership, with the possibility of reinstating a Marketing Lead based on feedback from previous releases.
Despite recent challenges within the community, including some contributors being blocked from WordPress Slack channels and others stepping back from their commitments, the initial response to the call for volunteers has been encouraging. Interested individuals are urged to express their interest in specific roles by commenting on the official post by December 6.
This proactive approach to building the release team reflects the community’s resilience and commitment to the platform’s ongoing evolution. With a vibrant community of developers, designers, and contributors, WordPress continues to thrive, ensuring that it remains a leading choice for website development.
Recent discussions on social media highlight the excitement surrounding these upcoming releases. For example, a recent tweet from a prominent WordPress developer expressed enthusiasm about the potential features in WordPress 6.8, stating, “Can’t wait to see how the new Gutenberg enhancements will improve our workflow! #WordPress #Gutenberg.”
The ongoing evolution of WordPress not only showcases the platform’s adaptability but also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in shaping its future. By encouraging feedback and participation, WordPress continues to foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of its users worldwide.
For further details on the release schedule and how to get involved, visit the official WordPress post [here](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/11/19/proposal-major-releases-for-2025/) and the call for volunteers [here](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/11/21/wordpress-6-8-call-for-volunteers/).
