
Everything latest this week on WordPress! That includes block-based themes, AI Integration in WordPress themes, plus exclusive deals.
⚡ Buzz Worthy
Stay informed with the latest trends and stories shaping the WordPress ecosystem.
Automattic Reduces WordPress Contributions: Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, has decided to decrease its contributions to the WordPress open-source project, reducing weekly hours from 3,988 to approximately 45.
This decision is in line with the Five for the Future initiative and measures according to the level of contributions from other companies, such as WP Engine. Tensions have arisen between Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and the WordPress community, especially following Mullenweg’s criticism of WP Engine, which contributes 40 hours per week. Automattic cites ongoing legal disputes with WP Engine and community criticism as reasons for the cutback. Read more here.
✨ Fresh Features Rollout
Top WordPress companies have introduced exciting new features this week:
- Elementor AI Assistant: Our favorite Elementor gets an uplift with an AI Site planner. It can help you reach your first draft faster than ever before. With AI-guided conversations and more, this feature is a super addition to make your workflow smoother.
- CartFlows 2.1.3 Update: Improved compatibility with Elementor, clearer license messages, and bug fixes for Mollie iDEAL payments and order bumps. Learn more.
- Yoast SEO 24.3 Update: Enhancements include improved readability assessments and UI contrast. Bugfixes address Semrush request duplication and translation issues. Update overview.
- WooCommerce 9.6: This brand new version of WooCommerce introduces smarter defaults for measuring units, and enhanced product summary blocks.
📢 Core Updates & Essentials
Keep your WordPress site secure and optimized with the latest core updates:
- WordPress 6.7.1: WordPress 6.7.1 is a fast-follow release featuring 16 bug fixes throughout Core and the Block Editor with a strict focus on bugs introduced in WordPress 6.7.
- Security Alert: Recent vulnerabilities get patches in several popular plugins including Advanced Custom Fields. Stay secure.
- REST API Upgrades: Version 5.6 introduces Application Passwords for API authentication and introduces batch requests.
🚨Spotlight Pick: Plugin of the Week
FluentCRM
Manage your email marketing and customer relationships directly from your WordPress dashboard with automation tools and powerful segmentation.
🆕 Fresh Releases
Discover newly launched plugins and themes to elevate your WordPress projects:
- Plugin: Forminator 2.0 – Create forms with AI-driven suggestions. Download Forminator.
- Theme: Kadence Theme 3.0 – This highly customizable theme comes with enhanced performance. Get Kadence Theme.
🏷️ Exclusive New Year Deals Digest
- Elementor Pro: Save 30% on annual plans. Start Building with Elementor.
- ZipWP 20% on a lifetime. Create A Website in 60 Sec.
- SiteGround Hosting: Up to 80% off on web hosting plans. Check Deals.
- CodeCanyon Sale: Discounts on popular WordPress plugins. Shop Now.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
Don’t miss these exciting events in the WordPress community:
- WordCamp Asia 2025 – Join online or in person from February 5 to 7th. Learn More.
- Yoast SEO Webinar – Free webinar on January 27. Register Here.
🎙️ Listen Up-Recommended Podcasts
Fuel your WordPress journey with these recommended podcasts:
- WP Builds Podcast: Expert tips and tricks for all WordPress users. Listen Now.
- Women in WP: Insights and interviews from women in the WordPress ecosystem. Explore Episodes.
- Do the Woo: A dedicated WooCommerce podcast. Listen Here.
😎 Influencer Insights
Get inspired by leading voices in the WordPress space:
- Matt Mullenweg: “Good design is not just what it looks like; it’s how it works. WordPress empowers everyone to achieve that balance.” Follow Matt.
- Chris Lema: “Automation in WordPress doesn’t replace creativity—it amplifies it.” Visit Chris’ Blog.
- Syed Balkhi: “Empowering small businesses is what WordPress does best, and it’s only getting better.” Learn More.
Wrapping up this week’s WordPress Digest. Stay tuned for more updates.