Updated October 2026 to reflect current versions and services.
In today's fast-paced digital world, staying up-to-date with the latest software updates is crucial for any business that wants to stay ahead of the competition. When it comes to website design and development, WordPress has been one of the most popular content management systems for more than a decade, and for a good reason. WordPress is an open-source platform that powers millions of websites worldwide, offering an intuitive user interface and a wide range of customization options.
Introduction
WordPress is a constantly evolving platform, with new versions and updates being released regularly. When this article was first written, WordPress 5.7 (released March 2021) was the latest version. WordPress has since moved through the entire 6.x series and into 7.x — the current release is WordPress 7.1.x (as of September 2026). If you are still running 5.7, updating is strongly recommended for security and features. Below is a look at what 5.7 introduced, and how those features have evolved since.
In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the features WordPress 5.7 brought to the platform, and how they look in today's WordPress. Whether you're a seasoned WordPress user or just getting started, we'll provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of this powerful content management system.
Here is an overview of the key features WordPress 5.7 introduced — and where they stand today.
- Lazy-loading images. WordPress 5.7 introduced lazy-loading for images (and iframes), meaning media is only loaded when it enters the viewport. This is now standard behavior in WordPress and still helps performance by reducing the amount of data loaded upfront.
- Full-site editing improvements. WordPress 5.7 brought early improvements to full-site editing, which lets you edit the entire look and feel of your website using the WordPress block editor. Full site editing has since matured enormously — block themes are now the standard way to build WordPress sites, with the Site Editor replacing much of the old customizer workflow.
- New default theme. WordPress 5.7 shipped with Twenty Twenty-One, a clean, minimalist theme. Each release since has brought new annual default themes — and WordPress 7.2 is set to introduce a brand-new default theme called Ipsum, ending the long-running “Twenty” naming tradition.
- New block directory. WordPress 5.7 introduced the block directory, which makes it easier to discover and install new blocks for the WordPress block editor right from the inserter. It remains part of the editing experience in current versions.
- New REST API endpoints. WordPress 5.7 added REST API endpoints (including block-related endpoints) that let developers interact with WordPress more easily and securely. The REST API has continued to expand in every release since.
Improved Performance and Security
Performance and security are two critical factors that can make or break a website. Every WordPress release brings updates that improve both. Keeping WordPress (and your PHP version) current helps ensure your website runs as smoothly as possible — with faster load times and the capacity to handle more traffic without slowing down. Note that automatic background updates now keep many sites on the latest security release without manual intervention.
In addition, current WordPress releases include a variety of security hardening that helps protect your website from hackers and other threats — including application passwords, improved password security, and automatic security updates, which keep your website protected against the latest threats. (Two-factor authentication is available via plugins and hosts.)
New Block Editor Features
One of the most significant updates to WordPress is the introduction of new block editor features. This new editor allows you to create more complex and dynamic layouts without the need for custom code. With the block editor, you can add a wide range of different content types, including images, videos, and more.
The block editor is a significant improvement over the classic editor, which required users to have some knowledge of HTML and CSS to create more advanced layouts. With the block editor, you can quickly and easily create columns, tables, and other advanced layouts that are responsive and look great on any device.
Improved Customization Options
Customization is one of the main reasons that businesses and individuals choose WordPress as their content management system. The latest version of WordPress introduces several new customization options that allow you to make your website look and feel exactly the way you want it.
The new theme options allow you to customize your website's theme with just a few clicks. You can change the color scheme, font, and other design elements to match your brand or personal preferences. Additionally, the latest version of WordPress includes new color palettes, allowing you to create a cohesive design throughout your website.
Another significant customization feature is the ability to customize your website's header and footer. These areas of your website are essential for branding and navigation, and the ability to customize them gives you more control over the overall look and feel of your website.
Accessibility Improvements
The latest version of WordPress includes several updates to improve accessibility, making it easier for all users to navigate and use your website. These updates help to ensure that your website is accessible to a wide range of users, including those who are visually impaired or have other disabilities.
One of the accessibility improvements is better support for keyboard navigation, which allows users to navigate your website using just their keyboard. Additionally, the improved heading hierarchy ensures that users can quickly and easily find the information they need on your website. Other accessibility improvements include improved color contrast and better support for screen readers.
Overall, WordPress has come a long way since 5.7: full site editing is now standard, the block editor is far more capable, and the platform keeps evolving with each major release. Keeping your site updated is the single most important thing you can do to benefit from these improvements — and to stay protected. These updates make WordPress an even more powerful and user-friendly platform for creating all kinds of websites and applications.
