The beta version of WordPress 4.7 arrived two weeks ago and the final version is expected to be released on December 6, 2016. The beta release means no more new features will be added until the final release of WordPress 4.7. However, some of the features in beta may not make it into the final release.

So, what new features are already out there? Read on.

Themes

WordPress 4.7 will bring an improved theme and site setup flow. In the customizer, you will now see a more polished view of your installed themes, better theme search, and improved setup directly from theme customizer. WordPress 4.7 will also come with a new default theme for the next year.

Twenty Seven – The New Default Theme

Every major WordPress release traditionally comes with a new theme. The Twenty Seven Theme has a new inspiring design, which showcases its featured image in a broad way. The new theme was designed by Mel Choyce, a core contributor and design engineer at Automattic.

Video Header

Many premium WordPress themes are already allowing users to add video headers. Embedding videos will finally be made available in custom themes, along with the first default theme to come with video header support. With WordPress 4.7 you will be able to upload and use your own videos in mp4 format, or you can also use YouTube and Vimeo videos by simply entering the video URL.

Language Control

Currently, when you install WordPress in other languages, all users see the admin interface in the same language. WordPress 4.7 will allow users to switch the admin language from their user profile, so each user can choose the language they prefer. You will still need to install the languages before users can switch them.

Thumbnail PDF Preview

Currently, if you upload a PDF file, then WordPress only shows the file icon. You can add previews using PDF plugins for WordPress. WordPress 4.7, will show thumbnail preview of the first page in your PDF document when you upload it to the media library. WordPress will also display thumbnail previews on a PDF file’s attachment page.

Fine Tuning for Developers

Developers will now be able to add their own new custom bulk actions to list tables on different admin screens like posts, comments, users, etc

Post Type Templates will allow theme developers to add the ability to choose templates for different post types.

Rest API Content Endpoints will also make their way into WordPress 4.7.

As for security updates, the latest one was made in September this year. The latest security release is WordPress 4.6.1 and it applies to all WP versions. The earlier versions have two major security issues: a cross-site scripting vulnerability via image filename. We strongly encourage you to install this security update as soon as you’ve updated your WordPress to the preferred version.

To keep you safe, contact Awontis today!