WordPress 6.9 introduces a number of improvements focused around my favorite site builder (Gutenberg), including new editing tools, collaboration features + more block functions. Which means, if you use Gutenberg to build pages or posts on your site, this update is worth paying attention to — but don’t update just yet.
Before You Update WordPress
Even though major WordPress releases go through extensive testing, it’s still smart to wait a tiny bit before updating your live site.
Themes + plugins all interact differently with WordPress, which means bugs can still appear after release day. Giving plugin developers time to fix those issues can help you avoid unnecessary site woes.
Before updating to WordPress 6.9:
- Run a fresh backup
- Make sure your plugins + themes are updated
- Test updates on a staging site, if possible
- Wait at least a couple of weeks before updating WordPress
New Features in WordPress 6.9
Hide Blocks Without Deleting Them
WordPress 6.9 adds the ability to hide blocks directly inside the editor.
This makes it easier to temporarily remove content from a page without deleting it completely. It’s especially helpful when drafting pages, testing layouts or collaborating with a team.
Block Comments for Team Collaboration
Speaking of collaboration, a new commenting feature allows users to leave notes directly on blocks inside the editor.
For teams, this helps you edit page content with ease since feedback can happen inside the draft page instead of over Slack or scattered screenshots.
You can use this new feature in a few ways…
- Content approvals
- Revision requests
- Design feedback
- Internal editing notes
New Built-In Block Styles in WordPress 6.9
This major release from WordPress also expands the available block styles, including new layout options like accordions.
For many site owners, this could reduce the need for extra plugins that were previously required for simple interactive content. (Wahoo, fewer plugins!)
Using built-in WordPress features instead of additional plugins can help:
- Improve performance
- Reduce plugin conflicts
- Simplify updates
- Lower security risks
Why This Update Matters
While some WordPress releases feel minor, version 6.9 continues the push toward making Gutenberg more powerful as a full site-building tool.
If you already use the block editor, these additions can streamline content editing + potentially reduce reliance on third-party plugins.
And if you’ve avoided Gutenberg in the past, this release may be another sign that WordPress is continuing to invest heavily in its native editing experience.