In a nutshell:
- WordPress 7.0 will require at least PHP 7.4 starting April 9,
- — SMEs on shared hosting with PHP 7.2 or 7.3 risk update errors and downtime.
- The cost of a clean major update ranges from €1,000 to €5,000, depending on the number of plugins and the complexity of the theme. We’ll show you what to check before the release and where hidden cost traps lurk.
FAQ
When will WordPress 7.0 be released?
The planned release date is April 9, 2026. The third beta version has been available since March 5. Release candidates will follow before the official release, during which any remaining bugs will be fixed. Don’t plan to update on the release date itself. Wait two to three days and check to see if any critical bugs have been reported.
Do I need to upgrade my hosting for WordPress 7.0?
Yes, if your server is still running PHP 7.2 or 7.3. WordPress 7.0 requires at least PHP 7.4. PHP 8.3 is recommended. You can change the PHP version in the customer portal of most hosting providers. Test beforehand in a staging environment to see if your theme and plugins work with the new PHP version.
What does the AI feature in WordPress 7.0 offer?
WordPress 7.0 includes a standardized interface (WP AI Client). This allows plugins to integrate AI features in a consistent manner. You connect to an AI provider such as OpenAI or Anthropic, and compatible plugins use this connection. The feature is a framework. What you can do with it depends on the plugins you use.