The WordPress 7.0 Release Squad has been officially announced, setting the stage for the platform’s next major update planned for April 2026. The announcement confirms who will lead the release and how the core team is structured for this cycle.
This matters because WordPress 7.0 is not a routine update. It marks a key step in the platform’s long-term roadmap, with a strong focus on collaboration, workflows, and stability. The release squad’s makeup offers early signals on how this version will shape the future of WordPress development.
WordPress 7.0 Release Squad Announcement
The update was shared by WordPress core contributors, confirming the official release for WordPress 7.0.
Notably, this is the first major WordPress release in years not led by Matt Mullenweg. Instead, leadership responsibility shifts to a broader group of core contributors, reflecting how the project continues to evolve.
The Release Squad brings together contributors closely tied to WordPress core, Automattic, and the Gutenberg project, ensuring continuity while moving into the next phase of development.
Matias Ventura Named Release Lead for WordPress 7.0
Matias Ventura has been named the Lead for WordPress. Ventura is an Automattic engineer and the long-time lead of the Gutenberg project, which plays a central role in this release.
This is not his first time leading a WordPress release. Ventura previously served as Release Lead for WordPress 6.3, where he guided major editor and workflow improvements. His appointment signals a strong focus on collaboration, editing experience, and long-term platform direction as WordPress moves forward.
Smaller Release Squad Structure Continues
WordPress 7.0 continues the streamlined Release Squad structure introduced in recent versions. The squad is intentionally smaller, with responsibilities distributed more clearly across core contributors and Make teams.
There is no dedicated design lead for this cycle. Instead, coordination happens through Make teams, with team representatives working closely with the Release Squad. This approach reduces overhead, avoids role overlap, and keeps development aligned across WordPress core, editor work, and supporting systems.
Key Members of the WordPress 7.0 Release Squad
The WordPress 7.0 Release Squad brings together experienced contributors from across WordPress core, Automattic, and the wider open-source ecosystem. Each role is clearly defined to support planning, development, testing, and issue management.
- Release Coordination: Ahmed Kabir Chaion, Amy Kamala, and Mary Hubbard oversee planning, timelines, and coordination across WordPress core and Make teams.
- Tech Leads: Ella van Durpe, Mukesh Panchal, and Sergey Biryukov handle technical direction, core development decisions, and code quality throughout the release cycle.
- Triage Leads: Jb Audras and JuanMa Garrido manage incoming bugs and issues, helping prioritize fixes and keep development workflows organized.
- Test Leads: Ankit K Gupta and Mary Baum lead testing efforts, coordinating beta testing, release candidate checks, and validation before the final release.
How WordPress 7.0 Builds on Recent Core Changes?
The WordPress 7.0 Release Squad announcement follows directly from the groundwork laid in WordPress 6.9. That release focused on stability and refinement, creating a solid base for larger changes ahead.
Features like Notes introduced early collaboration concepts inside the editor. These updates signaled a shift toward shared workflows and team-based content creation. WordPress 7.0 builds on that foundation, with the release squad structured to support deeper collaboration and long-term core improvements rather than short-term feature expansion.
WordPress 7.0 Release Timeline and Expectations
WordPress 7.0 is scheduled to follow a clear and public release timeline. Beta testing is expected to begin in February 2026, giving developers and site owners time to test changes early.
The final release is planned for April 9, 2026. This timing aligns with WordCamp Asia, providing a global platform for showcasing the most significant WordPress update in recent years. The timeline reflects a focus on preparation, testing, and stability ahead of launch.
Conclusion
The announcement of WordPress 7.0 offers a clear view into how the platform is preparing for its next major step. With experienced contributors leading coordination, development, testing, and triage, the project is positioned for a focused and stable release cycle.
WordPress 7.0 builds on recent core changes and signals a continued shift toward collaboration, workflows, and long-term reliability. As the April 2026 launch approaches, the structure and leadership behind this release highlight WordPress’s commitment to careful planning and steady evolution.
FAQs
When is WordPress 7.0 expected to launch?
WordPress 7.0 is currently scheduled for release on April 9, 2026.
Who is leading the WordPress 7.0 release?
Matias Ventura has been named Release Lead for WordPress 7.0.
What is the focus of WordPress 7.0?
The release focuses on collaboration, workflows, and building on recent editor and core improvements.
When will beta testing for WordPress 7.0 begin?
Beta testing for WordPress 7.0 is expected to start in February 2026.
