WordPress 7.0 is around the corner - bringing the biggest changes in years. With 40% performance improvement (WordPress.org), completion of Gutenberg Phase 4, and PHP 8.2 as minimum requirement, this update affects every WooCommerce shop. This guide explains what's coming, what's changing, and how to prepare your shop.
Overview: What's New in WordPress 7.0?
Performance Boost
Up to 40% faster load times (WordPress.org) through optimized database queries and caching.
PHP 8.2 Required
Older PHP versions are no longer supported - upgrade required.
Gutenberg Phase 4
Collaborative editing and improved multilingual support in Block Editor.
Performance: 40% Faster
- Optimized database queries: Fewer and more efficient queries for posts and products
- Improved Object Caching: Better integration with Redis and Memcached
- Lazy Loading for Blocks: Blocks are loaded only when needed
- Reduced asset size: Smaller CSS/JS files in Core
- Faster Admin Area: Optimized backend for smoother workflows
PHP 8.2: Mandatory Upgrade
| PHP Version | WordPress 7.0 | Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHP 7.4 | Not supported | End of Life | Urgently upgrade |
| PHP 8.0 | Not supported | End of Life | Upgrade |
| PHP 8.1 | Not supported | Security Only | Upgrade |
| PHP 8.2 | Supported | Active | Minimum |
| PHP 8.3 | Supported | Active | Recommended |
Not all plugins are compatible with PHP 8.2+. Before upgrading: Test all plugins or clarify with the developer. Outdated plugins can cause errors after the upgrade.
Gutenberg Phase 4: Collaborative Editing
- Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on a post simultaneously (like Google Docs)
- Comments in Blocks: Leave feedback directly in individual blocks
- Workflow Improvements: Better review and approval processes
- Improved Revisions View: Clearer display of changes
WooCommerce and WordPress 7.0
- Update WooCommerce to current version (at least 9.x)
- Check all WooCommerce extensions for compatibility
- Test payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, Klarna)
- Check theme for WordPress 7.0 compatibility
- Set up staging environment for test update
This is what your online shop could look like:
Sport-Shop mit Flash-Sales
Migration and Update Strategy
- Create backup: Complete backup (files + database) before any changes
- Check PHP version: Determine current version, upgrade to 8.2+ if needed
- Staging environment: Create copy of shop on test server
- Update plugins: Bring all plugins to latest version
- Perform test update: Install WordPress 7.0 on staging
- Function test: Click through all shop functions (checkout, payment, etc.)
- Measure performance: Compare load times before/after
- Live update: Update production after successful test
- Activate monitoring: Increased vigilance after update
Checklist: WordPress 7.0 Preparation
- Current PHP version checked (at least 8.2 required)
- Complete backup created (files + database)
- All plugins updated to latest version
- Plugin compatibility with WordPress 7.0 verified
- Theme compatibility checked
- Staging environment set up
- WooCommerce and extensions updated
- Payment gateways tested after update
- Performance baseline measured (for comparison after update)
- Update time window planned (not Friday!)
Well Prepared for the Update
WordPress 7.0 brings welcome improvements - especially the 40% performance boost (WordPress.org) will noticeably benefit WooCommerce shops. However, the mandatory PHP 8.2 upgrade requires preparation. Those who check their plugins and themes now and set up a staging environment can approach the update relaxed.
We support you with WordPress and WooCommerce updates to version 7.0 - from compatibility check to go-live. Contact us for consultation.
No, WordPress 6.x will still receive security updates for some time. However, we recommend updating within 3-6 months of release to benefit from performance improvements.
Then you should switch hosts or request an upgrade. PHP 8.2 has been available since December 2022 - a host without 8.2 support is no longer up to date. We offer WordPress hosting with current PHP versions.
With proper preparation (backup, staging test, plugin check), the risk is minimal. The most common problems arise from outdated plugins or themes - these should be updated before the upgrade.
Not necessarily. Popular plugins (WooCommerce, Yoast, Elementor) will deliver updates promptly. For less actively maintained plugins, it may take longer or updates may not come. Check compatibility before updating.
The update itself takes only a few minutes. However, preparation (backup, staging, tests) can take several hours to days - depending on the complexity of the shop and number of plugins.
This article is based on current WordPress development plans and community discussions. Performance data: WordPress.org benchmarks, PHP comparisons: PHP.net. Cited values are approximate and may vary depending on server configuration. As of: January 2026.
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