WordPress 6.0, named ‘Arturo,’ has been launched and is now available. This update includes nearly 1,000 updates and enhancements, making WordPress more intuitive for both developers and end users.
Notable updates include:
– Faster website performance
– Page creation patterns
– Block locking
– Stack and row variations
– Global style variations
– Ability to select text across multiple blocks
Some features, like improved website performance, will be immediately noticeable. Others, such as page creation patterns, are aimed at theme developers.
Each WordPress update is named after a jazz artist, and this version is named after Grammy-winning jazz musician Arturo O’Farrill, known for his work with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
The official WordPress announcement states:
“The latest version of the software takes full site editing one step further and aims to consolidate the ‘no code’ experience for site-building by expanding existing customization tools, introducing new blocks, and enhancing writing and design workflows. This includes the new style switcher for block themes, which offers significant flexibility without requiring a theme switch. ‘With thoughtful updates to the writing experience, building better block functionality, and adding a new intuitive style switcher, I’m really proud of the work that’s been done in this release to make a great site editing experience,’ says WordPress’ Executive Director, Josepha Haden Chomphosy.”
### WordPress 6.0 Is An Incremental Update
WordPress 6.0 is the product of efforts by over 500 contributors from at least 58 countries, incorporating nearly 1,000 improvements. While version changes, such as new models of Android phones, tend to bring dramatic changes, WordPress version changes primarily consist of incremental improvements.
Although version 6.0 is a “dot 0” release, it is best understood as part of a series of enhancements. The publishing experience has been improved from version 5.9 to 6.0. The official WordPress announcement assures that site owners should update to benefit from the enhancements in stability, performance, and usability immediately.
A WordPress spokesperson indicated that:
“This release picks up right where 5.9 left off – focusing on full site editing and improving the block editor experience, wherever it is used. Version 6.0 introduces features aimed at enhancing the writing and designing experiences for most WordPress users. Included are performance enhancements, core code stability improvements, and minor enhancements that elevate the site-building experience.”
### WordPress Performance Improvements
WordPress 6.0 introduces performance improvements that make the platform faster. Enhancements in query execution and cache management contribute to better efficiency and faster performance.
### New Features That End Users Will Love
#### Page Creation Patterns
One of the key updates is the Page Creation Patterns feature, which allows users to select from multiple layouts as a starting point rather than starting with a blank layout. Theme developers need to integrate these layouts into their themes.
#### Block Locking
Block Locking prevents users from accidentally deleting or moving important blocks. This feature is accessed through a block settings drop-down menu.
Andrew Wilder of NerdPress shares that the Page Creation Patterns feature is particularly beneficial for clients and that the Block Locking feature prevents accidental block deletion or movement.
### Stack & Row Variations
Stack and Row Variations allow users to create dynamic flex-based containers that adjust automatically to different viewport sizes, such as mobile devices or larger screens.
### Multi-Select: Select Text Across Multiple Blocks
WordPress 6.0 introduces the ability to select text across multiple content blocks, enhancing the writing experience by allowing users to manipulate text within multiple blocks without selecting the blocks themselves.
### Style Variations
Global Style Variations allow theme authors to let users easily change the look and feel of their website without editing CSS or HTML, speeding up website setup and customization.
### Noteworthy Changes For Developers
Key changes for developers include:
– Style variations using different fonts.
– Improved block theme creation and tooling within the site editor.
– Easier incorporation of patterns.
– Registration of blocks from within themes.
– Updates to the @wordpress/create-block templating system.
### Accessibility Improvements To WordPress 6.0
WordPress 6.0 includes numerous accessibility improvements. Among these are:
– Enhancements to alt text used on featured images.
– Upgrades to tabbing into block placeholders.
– Enhancements for screen readers.
– Various improvements to the navigation block, list view, and media handling.
### Aria-Related Accessibility Fixes
Key aria-related fixes include:
– Adjustments to RichText for aria-multiline state.
– Removal of role attributes on decorative SVGs.
– Improvements in handling attachment properties, media arrows, URL copying, permalink visibility, and link attributes.
The official WordPress announcement underscores the ongoing commitment to accessibility: “Accessibility is an integral part of the WordPress mission of fostering an inclusive community and supporting users globally. WordPress 6.0 includes over 50 updates specifically focused on enhancing accessibility.”
### WordPress Full Site Editor Beta Label
WordPress 6.0 improves the editing experience by making writing and layout creation easier, though the Full Site Editor is still considered Beta. The WordPress team acknowledges that while 6.0 makes significant strides, the full site editor will continue to evolve. They anticipate further improvements in version 6.1 and beyond:
“While 6.0 moves WordPress in the right direction, there’s more work to be done around creating a cohesive site editing experience, so if you’re waiting for full site editing to feel more intuitive, expect that to come in 6.1 and beyond.”
### Citation
#### Read the Official WordPress Announcement
WordPress 6.0 “Arturo”
