WordPress 7.0 RC1 is here and available for download and testing! This version of the WordPress software is still in the development stage, so it’s important not to install it on any live or critical websites. Instead, it’s recommended to test it on a separate server or site to evaluate its performance.
There are several ways to test WordPress 7.0 RC1:
1. Plugin: Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin on a WordPress install, selecting the “Bleeding edge” channel and “Beta/RC Only” stream.
2. Direct Download: Download the RC1 version (zip) from the official WordPress website and install it on a WordPress site.
3. Command Line: Use the WP-CLI command to update to version 7.0-RC1.
4. WordPress Playground: Utilize the WordPress Playground instance to test the software directly in your browser without any setup required.
The final release date for WordPress 7.0 is set for April 9, 2026. Your help in testing Beta and RC versions is crucial to ensuring a stable and powerful final release. Make sure to stay updated by checking the Make WordPress Core blog for 7.0-related posts in the coming weeks.
What’s new in WordPress 7.0 RC1? This release contains over 134 updates and fixes since the Beta 5 release. For a detailed look at the new features and technical notes, you can refer to the Beta 1 announcement and WordPress 7.0 Developer Notes.
The release squad and project leadership have identified additional features included in RC1 to support flagship features of the release. Some of the latest updates include Client Side Media as a plugin only, support for non-AI providers on Connector’s Screen, and new activation hooks for Real Time Collaboration.
If you encounter any issues while testing WordPress 7.0 RC1, you can report them in the Alpha/Beta area of the support forums or directly to Trac. It’s essential to test the upgrade process and new features to ensure a successful final release.
WordPress is open source software that relies on contributions from a passionate community. You can help test this release, test it on different hosting platforms, and update your themes or plugins to ensure compatibility. Translating WordPress into different languages is also a valuable way to contribute to the project.
As we look forward to the final release of WordPress 7.0 on April 9, 2026, your feedback and testing are crucial to its success. Let’s work together to make WordPress 7.0 the best version yet!
For more Information, Refer to this article.
