WPDigest 105: WordPress 6.8 Beta OUT!

Welcome to this week’s WPDigest! 🚀 This edition brings you the biggest WordPress stories – from insights shared at WordCamp Asia 2025 to important security alerts and the latest on WooCommerce 9.7’s delay. Plus, we’ve got fresh feature rollouts and exciting new plugin releases to help you keep your site ahead of the curve. Let’s dive in!

⚡ Buzz Worthy ​

Stay informed with the latest developments in the WordPress ecosystem:

WordPress 6.8 Beta OUT!
The first beta of WordPress 6.8 is ready for download and testing! Developers and enthusiasts can explore new features in a safe test environment. Remember, this version is still under development – avoid using it on live sites. Explore here

WordPress.com Introduces Studio Preview Sites
WordPress.com has renamed the “Demo Sites” feature to Studio Preview Sites, offering users a sneak peek into new design templates and customization options. This initiative aims to enhance user experience by providing modern, flexible design choices. Explore the new designs

Kinsta Recognized in G2 Awards
Kinsta has been honored in the latest G2 Awards, reflecting its commitment to performance and customer satisfaction. This recognition underscores Kinsta’s position as a leading managed WordPress hosting provider. Read more

Insights from WordCamp Asia 2025
WordCamp Asia 2025 brought together over 1,400 WordPress enthusiasts from 71 countries to discuss the platform’s future. Key topics included advancements in block editing, multilingual support, and community growth strategies. Get the highlights

Legal Dispute Involving Automattic
Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, is facing a class-action lawsuit related to a dispute with WP Engine. The case raises questions about competitive practices within the WordPress hosting industry. Details here

WooCommerce 9.7 Release Delayed
The anticipated release of WooCommerce 9.7 has been postponed. Developers cite the need for additional testing to ensure stability and compatibility. Users are advised to stay tuned for further updates. More information

Everest Forms Plugin Vulnerability
A critical vulnerability has been identified in the Everest Forms plugin, affecting over 100,000 WordPress sites. The flaw allows arbitrary file uploads, posing significant security risks. Site administrators using this plugin should update immediately. Security advisory

Matt Mullenweg Addresses Core Contributions
In response to community concerns, Matt Mullenweg has addressed pleas to restore Automattic’s core contributions to WordPress. The discussion highlights ongoing debates about open-source collaboration and corporate involvement. Read the response

Warning on Fake Plugins
Administrators are alerted to a surge in fake plugins targeting WordPress sites. These malicious plugins can compromise site security and functionality. Vigilance in plugin selection and regular security scans are recommended. Learn more

WordPress in 2025: Official Report
The official “WordPress in 2025” report has been released, providing insights into the platform’s growth, challenges, and future directions. It covers topics like market share, technological advancements, and community initiatives. Read the full report

World Host Group Acquires A2 Hosting
World Host Group has acquired A2 Hosting, aiming to create a more trusted and innovative hosting brand. This move is expected to enhance customer experiences through improved infrastructure and support. Announcement details

✨ Fresh Features Rollout

Stay updated with the latest WordPress enhancements and features rollout:

ZipWP Enhances Wireframe Editing
ZipWP introduces a new feature allowing users to edit wireframe content directly, streamlining the website design process. Learn more

SureMembers 1.10.7 Released
The latest update to SureMembers includes performance improvements and bug fixes, enhancing membership site management. Explore the update

AIOSEO Enhances Keyword Rank Tracking
All in One SEO’s update offers smarter keyword rank tracking and improved WooCommerce SEO capabilities, aiding in better search engine performance. Check it out

FunnelKit Funnel Builder 3.9 Released
FunnelKit’s latest version introduces new features and enhancements, streamlining the funnel-building process for marketers. See what’s new

WooCommerce 9.7: Smarter Shipping Displays and Faster Performance
The delayed WooCommerce 9.7 release introduces intelligent shipping options and improved site speed, enhancing e-commerce operations. See what’s new

SureForms 1.4.1 Update
SureForms’ latest version brings new features and improvements, enhancing form-building capabilities for users. Check it out

Astra 4.8.13: Search Widget Update and PHP 8.1 Fixes
Astra theme’s update includes enhancements to the search widget and compatibility fixes for PHP 8.1, ensuring better performance. View the changelog

Spectra Introduces ‘Spectra Showcase’ Event
Spectra now allows users to showcase their websites, fostering community engagement and inspiration. Learn more

SureMail 1.3.0 Released
The new SureMail update brings enhanced email marketing features, improving user engagement and campaign management. Explore the features

WPForms Launches Twilio Addon
WPForms’ new Twilio addon enables SMS notifications for form submissions, enhancing communication with users. Discover the addon

WPCode Introduces ‘Remove Unused Media’ Feature
WPCode’s latest feature helps users identify and delete unused media files, optimizing website performance. Read the details

Uncanny Automator 6.2: Threads Integration and More
Uncanny Automator’s update adds integration with Threads and other features, expanding automation possibilities for WordPress users. Find out more

Advanced Coupons Integrates with PushEngage
Advanced Coupons’ new integration with PushEngage allows store owners to send coupons via push notifications, enhancing marketing strategies. See the announcement

🆕 Fresh Releases

Discover newly launched plugins and themes to elevate your WordPress projects:

• WPConsent: WPConsent introduces a customizable cookie banner with script blocking capabilities, helping websites comply with privacy regulations.
• ScreenGlow: ScreenGlow is a new plugin designed to add customizable glow effects to your website elements, enhancing visual appeal and user engagement.
• Coupon Exporter for WooCommerce: This plugin allows WooCommerce store owners to export coupon data easily, simplifying coupon management and reporting.
• Multiple Cart Fee for WooCommerce: Multiple Cart Fee for WooCommerce enables store owners to add multiple conditional fees to the cart, offering flexibility in fee management.
• Comment Generator: Comment Generator helps you populate your WordPress site with realistic-looking comments, perfect for development, testing, and demonstration purposes.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar 

Don’t miss these exciting events in the WordPress community:

• WordCamp Nepal (Apr 4-5, 2025)
• Clean Architecture Masterclass (May 12-15, 2025)
• WordCamp Lisboa (May 16-17, 2025)
• WordCamp Leipzig (May 16,-17, 2025)
• The Principal Dev – Masterclass for Tech Leads (May 22-23, 2025)
• WordCamp Europe (June 5-7, 2025)
• Clean Code: The Next Level (Jun 5-6, 2025)
• WordCamp Asia (2026)

Stay connected, learn from industry experts, and grow your WordPress network!

🎙️ Listen Up-Recommended Podcasts

Stay updated on all things WordPress with these podcasts:

• James Kemp on WooCommerce Innovations
  James Kemp, Core Product Lead for WooCommerce, talks about innovations within the platform, trends in e-commerce, and the growing competition from SaaS platforms like Shopify. Listen here
• Escaping the One-Time Project Trap
  Troy Dean shares a strategic roadmap to help agencies shift to recurring revenue and scale sustainably. Listen here
• Automation for Busy Parents
  Kim Caloca-Madden reveals practical automation tips to help business-owning parents stay organized, efficient, and balanced. Listen here

That’s a wrap for this week’s WPDigest! Stay tuned for more exciting WordPress updates next week.

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