
This week, there’s been an update on the legal dispute between Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, with the court maintaining the status quo. This means the original ACF plugin listing is now back in place. Alongside that, we’ve also seen the release of WordPress 6.7, a variety of new plugins and themes, and some exclusive holiday deals.
⚡ Buzz Worthy
Voice Search Integration
WordPress is now jumping on the voice search bandwagon! With the growing use of voice-activated devices, it makes sense to bring hands-free navigation and search capabilities to WordPress. This update is set to make the user experience even smoother and more accessible.

AR & VR Features for E-Commerce
For e-commerce sites, the integration of AR and VR is becoming a game-changer. These technologies allow customers to visualize products in their real-world settings before buying, making the online shopping experience much more immersive.
Chatbot Integration
AI-driven chatbots are becoming more common in WordPress. They’re helping businesses engage with customers faster by providing instant responses to queries, which boosts customer satisfaction and overall engagement.
Minimalistic & Dark Mode Themes
Simplicity is in! Minimalistic themes are trending because they’re easy to navigate, while dark mode interfaces are getting a lot of love for both their sleek aesthetic and their ability to reduce eye strain.
Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
PWAs are the new wave in website performance. They provide faster load times and a more app-like experience, improving both user experience and accessibility across devices.
Headless WordPress
Headless WordPress is gaining popularity, as it lets developers decouple the front-end and back-end of a website. This architecture gives more flexibility for delivering content across multiple platforms and devices.
Legal Disputes in the WordPress Community
There’s been some tension in the WordPress world. A public dispute has arisen between Automattic (the company behind WordPress) and WP Engine over trademark use and contributions to the WordPress ecosystem. This raises ongoing questions about the intersection of commercial interests and WordPress’s open-source spirit.
✨ Fresh Features Rollout
- WordPress 6.7 Release
Released on November 12, 2024, WordPress 6.7 brings several new features:
- New Default Theme – Twenty Twenty-Five: A versatile theme designed for speed, accessibility, and ease of use, ideal for everything from blogs to business websites.
- Site Editor Enhancements: Updates have improved block management and publishing flow, making it easier to create and manage content.
- Design Tool Upgrades: New background tools, aspect ratios, and box-shadow options allow for more creative freedom.
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Plugin Update
In October 2024, WordPress took over the ACF plugin from WP Engine to address security concerns and remove upselling. It’s now rebranded as “Secure Custom Fields” to ensure a safer, more streamlined experience.
📢 Core Updates & Essentials
- WordPress 6.7 ReleaseBeyond the new theme and enhancements, WordPress 6.7 also brings:
- Faster Pattern Loading: Design patterns now load faster, making site creation smoother.
- Improved PHP 8+ Support: The update enhances compatibility with PHP 8 and newer versions, ensuring better security and performance.
- Security Updates
Regular vulnerability reports highlight the importance of staying updated:- WordPress Core 6.5.5 Security Update: This release fixes several vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for regular updates to protect your site.
- Google’s December 2024 Core Update
Completed on December 18, this update may impact search rankings. If you notice changes in your rankings, it’s a good idea to review your content and SEO strategy to maintain visibility.
🚨Spotlight Pick: Plugin of the Week
Squirrly SEO
Squirrly SEO simplifies SEO for WordPress users, offering real-time optimization tips, keyword research, and AI-driven insights. Ideal for bloggers and businesses looking to boost rankings effortlessly.
🆕 Fresh Releases
- New Plugins:
- Gravity ZWR: Enhances Gravity Forms with zero-width redirects.
- SEOPress 8.4.1: A comprehensive SEO plugin to help improve your site’s search engine rankings.
- New Themes:
- CoachAva: A sleek, professional theme for coaches and consultants.
- Twenty Twenty-Five: The new default theme offers versatility for various website types.
🏷️ Exclusive New Year Deals Digest
As the holiday season approaches, here are some great New Year WordPress deals.
These deals won’t last forever, so be sure to act fast and visit the respective websites for the most up-to-date information.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
If you’re looking for opportunities to network and learn, check out these upcoming WordPress events and meetups:
- WordPress Accessibility Meetup: Discuss accessibility best practices for WordPress websites.
- WPCampus Board Meetings: Open meetings for anyone interested in WordPress in higher education.
- WordCamps: These conferences are a great way to meet WordPress professionals and enthusiasts. Find upcoming events on WordCamp Central.
🎙️ Listen Up-Recommended Podcasts
Stay updated on all things WordPress with these podcasts:
- WP Builds: A podcast for interviews, news, and discussions about WordPress.
- WP Briefing: Official insights from WordPress.
- Kitchen Sink WordPress: Covers hosting, news, and community interviews.
- Do the Woo: A podcast focusing on WooCommerce and eCommerce trends.
- WPwatercooler: A fun and informative weekly podcast featuring WordPress experts.
😎 Influencer Insights
Here’s what some key WordPress leaders have been saying:
- Matt Mullenweg: Co-founder of WordPress, stressed the importance of contributing back to the open-source community to ensure its continued growth and success.
- Josepha Haden Chomphosy: Executive Director of WordPress, highlighted the collaborative nature of WordPress development as a core strength of the platform.
- Helen Hou-Sandí: Lead developer, advocates for accessible tools to serve all users.
That wraps up this week’s digest. Stay tuned for more updates in the WordPress world!