WordPress.com has released a new update featuring two editor blocks, an automated gallery function, and enhanced commenting tools for collaborative drafts. The changes were detailed in the company’s changelog covering the period from July 17 to July 30, 2026.

The update also introduces a self-service option for users seeking to downgrade their subscription plans, a process that previously required direct contact with customer support.

New Editor Features

The most significant additions are the Tabs block and the Playlist block. The Tabs block allows users to organize content, such as FAQs or feature comparisons, into separate, clickable sections. Each panel within the tab structure supports a variety of block types, and the buttons offer controls for color, typography, border, and spacing to align with the site’s theme.

The Playlist block is designed to display a list of audio tracks. It supports artwork, track metadata, and a visual waveform representation. Users can control the play order and choose which details, such as artist names or track numbers, are visible. This feature is intended to allow podcasters and musicians to publish content directly without relying on third-party embed codes.

Users can access these tools by typing “/tabs” or “/playlist” in the editor.

Dynamic Gallery Option

The Gallery block now includes a “Dynamic Gallery” option. This function automatically populates a gallery with all images attached to a specific post, removing the need for manual selection. Users can activate this by adding a Gallery block and clicking the “Use attached images” button.

Improved Note System

Feedback mechanisms on drafts have been overhauled. The Notes feature now attaches comments to a specific phrase within the text, rather than the entire block. Additionally, users can use the “@” symbol to mention contributors, drawing them directly into the conversation. This system is asynchronous, allowing collaborators to respond at their convenience.

Plan Management Changes

Users can now change their subscription plan without contacting support. A “View plans” button has been added to the settings page of active plans. This directs users to a page where eligible lower tiers display a “Downgrade” option.

Requested downgrades are scheduled to take effect on the next renewal date. This ensures that users retain access to features they have already paid for until the current term expires.

Reliability and Fixes

The latest changelog also documents several bug fixes and performance improvements across the platform.

The company addressed an issue where purchasing paid plugins from the marketplace sometimes resulted in a stalled progress bar. Users will now be redirected to their plugins page with the software activated immediately.

Traffic statistics are now reported more reliably in the hourly view, addressing previous loading errors. Video stats have been updated to display thumbnails, making it easier for users to identify individual clips at a glance.

During the signup process, a new “Need help?” button provides direct access to documentation or support engineers for users selecting a domain name.

Finally, WordPress.com has retired “Feature Clips,” an experimental tool for converting posts into short vertical videos. The company is directing former users of this tool to its official guide on video content for alternative methods.

These updates come as part of the ongoing development cycle for the WordPress ecosystem. The inclusion of the Tabs and Playlist blocks reflects a broader trend toward offering more complex content layouts without custom code. The self-service downgrade path aligns with standard practices on competing subscription platforms, reducing friction for users adjusting their plans.

Looking forward, the retirement of Feature Clips suggests a focus on consolidating existing features rather than maintaining experimental tools. Developers are expected to continue refining these new blocks based on user feedback, with the next scheduled changelog update anticipated in the coming weeks. These features are currently available to all WordPress.com users.

Source: WordPress.com