Automattic Resumes WordPress Contributions with AI and Admin Updates

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, has announced a strategic shift by resuming its contributions to the WordPress project after a recent pause. This move reverses their earlier decision to limit major releases in 2025 and signals a renewed focus on advancing WordPress’s core technology and ecosystem.

In a blog post titled “Returning to Core,” Automattic expressed excitement about reengaging with key WordPress components including WordPress Core, Gutenberg editor, Playground, Openverse, and WordPress.org. The company emphasized its commitment to the mission of democratizing publishing worldwide, highlighting WordPress’s current role powering 43% of the web.

This renewed involvement comes amid internal discussions led by CEO Matt Mullenweg, who aims to deliver a WordPress 6.9 release featuring an admin interface refresh and contributions from a newly formed AI team. This AI team is tasked with stewarding innovative AI projects within the WordPress ecosystem, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in content management systems.

The reasons behind Automattic’s initial pause and subsequent reversal remain partly speculative. Industry insiders suggest factors such as reputational concerns, business strategy recalibration, and ongoing legal disputes with WP Engine may have influenced the decision. The legal conflict centers on WP Engine’s use of the WordPress trademark and its perceived lack of contributions to the open source project, which Automattic views as detrimental to the community.

Automattic’s CEO has publicly criticized WP Engine for profiting from WordPress without adequately supporting the open source project. This dispute has escalated to legal actions including trademark bans and lawsuits. Meanwhile, WP Engine has contested these claims, asserting no licensing fee is required and has filed counter-suits. This ongoing tension underscores the complexities of balancing commercial interests with open source community stewardship.

In addition to strategic shifts, Automattic recently underwent a 16% workforce reduction aimed at increasing agility and profitability. Despite these challenges, the company’s recommitment to WordPress development and AI innovation highlights its intent to maintain leadership in the content management space and support the vast ecosystem relying on WordPress technology.

Why Automattic’s Return Matters

WordPress powers nearly half of the internet’s websites, making Automattic’s role critical in shaping the future of web publishing. Their renewed contributions promise enhancements in user experience, especially through admin interface updates and AI-driven features that could revolutionize content creation and management.

The formation of an AI team within WordPress signals a forward-looking approach, integrating cutting-edge technology into an open source platform traditionally focused on accessibility and ease of use. This blend of innovation and community-driven development could set new standards for content management systems globally.

Navigating Open Source and Commercial Interests

The legal dispute with WP Engine highlights a broader challenge in open source ecosystems: how to fairly balance contributions and commercial use. Automattic’s stance emphasizes the importance of reciprocal support to sustain the project’s health and innovation.

This situation serves as a case study for other open source projects facing similar tensions between community values and commercial exploitation. It underscores the need for clear governance, licensing, and contribution frameworks to protect both innovation and fairness.

Looking Ahead

Automattic’s recommitment to WordPress development and AI innovation could accelerate the platform’s evolution, benefiting millions of users and developers worldwide. The upcoming WordPress 6.9 release is poised to showcase these advancements, blending improved usability with AI-powered capabilities.

For businesses and developers invested in WordPress, this renewed focus means more robust tools, enhanced performance, and a stronger community foundation. It also highlights the ongoing importance of open source stewardship in a rapidly changing technological landscape.