Automattic Resumes WordPress Contributions After Strategic Pause
In a significant shift, Automattic—the parent company of WordPress.com—has announced it will resume active contributions to the open-source WordPress project after a temporary pause. This decision comes just weeks after signaling plans to halt major releases for the remainder of 2025.
A Strategic Return to Core Development
In a Thursday blog post titled “Returning to Core,” Automattic revealed:
“After pausing our contributions to regroup, rethink, and plan strategically, we’re ready to press play again and return fully to the WordPress project.”
The company emphasized its commitment across key areas:
- WordPress Core development
- Gutenberg block editor
- Playground testing environment
- Openverse media library
- WordPress.org infrastructure
What Prompted the Reversal?
While Automattic cites strategic realignment as the primary reason, industry observers note several potential factors:
Upcoming WordPress 6.9 Release: Internal communications suggest CEO Matt Mullenweg wants to deliver:
- A refreshed admin interface
- New AI-powered features (following WordPress’ recent AI team formation)
Ongoing Legal Dispute: Automattic’s high-profile conflict with WP Engine continues, including:
- Trademark infringement allegations
- Debates over open-source contribution requirements
- Mutual lawsuits
Recent Workforce Changes: April’s 16% staff reduction at Automattic may have enabled organizational restructuring.
The Bigger Picture: WordPress at a Crossroads
With WordPress powering 43% of websites globally, Automattic’s renewed commitment signals:
- Strategic Importance: Core development remains vital despite commercial offerings
- Community Impact: The move may reassure the open-source ecosystem
- Innovation Push: AI integration emerges as a priority area
What Comes Next?
The WordPress community will closely watch:
- Timeline for WordPress 6.9 release
- Nature of proposed AI features
- Resolution of WP Engine legal dispute
- Impact on broader contributor ecosystem
As the situation develops, Automattic’s actions will significantly shape the future of the world’s most popular CMS.
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