WordPress Version History: Release, Timeline & Feature

I still remember the first time I opened WordPress. It felt simple, almost too simple, but watching it grow over the years has been a bit like watching a kid turn into a full-grown creator. That’s why I love diving into WordPress version history. You can see how each update changed the way we build, write, and manage websites.

If you’re new to WordPress or you’ve been around for years, knowing how the WordPress release timeline works saves you from bugs, slow sites, and stress. I’ve lived through enough version changes to appreciate how each update fixes something important.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how WordPress evolved, what each release added, and why these updates matter for your site today. Stick with me, and by the end you’ll know exactly how to read version numbers, what changed over time, and how to check your own version with ease.

What Is WordPress Version History?

WordPress version history is a simple record of how WordPress changed over time. It shows every major and minor release, so you can see what was added, fixed, or improved.

Major releases bring big features. Minor releases fix bugs and security issues. The version pattern is easy to follow: X.Y.Z. The first number is a major update, the second is a minor one, and the last is a small patch. Once you know this, the WordPress release timeline makes much more sense.

The update timeline matters for speed, safety, and plugin support. Old sites miss key fixes and often run into slowdowns or broken features. I still remember a small minor update that once fixed a plugin issue on a client site in seconds. It taught me how even tiny updates can prevent big headaches.

Understanding these version changes over time helps you see how WordPress grew and why keeping your site updated is so important.

WordPress Release Timeline (2003–2025): Year-by-Year Breakdown

Now that you know how version numbers work, it helps to see how WordPress changed across the years. This timeline gives you a simple view of major and minor releases, how often updates came out, and how the platform grew. It also helps you track trends in the WordPress release timeline, so you can spot when big features first appeared.

This chart gives a quick view of how many updates came out each year. It shows the rise of major releases, the boost in minor patches, and the steady pace of core changes over time.

Chart: WordPress version timeline chart showing releases from 2003 to 2025.”

Complete WordPress Version List by Release Year

Here is a simple table that shows the key points from each year. It highlights the version number, the type of update, and the feature that stood out. This makes it easy to scan how WordPress version changes over time shaped the platform we use today.

Year	Version	Type	Key Feature Added	Release Lead
2003	0.7	Major	First public release	Matt Mullenweg
2004	1.0	Major	New admin, new editor	Mike Little
2005	1.5 / 2.0	Major	Themes, new dashboard	Ryan Boren
2008	2.5	Major	New UI design	Matt Mullenweg
2010	3.0	Major	Custom post types	Mark Jaquith
2013	3.8	Major	Modern admin design	Joen Asmussen
2014	4.0	Major	New media grid	Helen Hou-Sandí
2018	5.0	Major	Gutenberg block editor	Matías Ventura
2022	6.0	Major	Full Site Editing	Josépha Haden
2023	6.3	Major	Site editing tools	Matías Ventura
2024	6.5	Major	Performance boost	Core team
2025	7.0	Major	Block themes upgrade	Core team

Seeing the updates year by year makes it easier to understand how WordPress grew and why certain features arrived when they did. 

This context helps you decide which versions matter most for your site’s stability and performance. Next, we’ll break down what these updates actually changed.

Major WordPress Releases Explained (2003–2025)

Now that we’ve seen how WordPress changed year by year, it helps to look at the major releases in simple terms. Each big update shaped how we build sites today.

Here’s a quick walk through the versions that mattered most and how they changed the platform.

WordPress 1.x – The Beginning

WordPress 1.x set the base for everything we use now. It brought clean URLs, an easy editor, and simple templates. It was light, open, and easy to use.

I still remember how fast it felt compared to other tools at the time. It made blogging feel fun and almost instant. That early version helped many people start writing online with no stress.

WordPress 2.x – The Dashboard Era

WordPress 2.x gave us the polished dashboard and a new editor. It made writing smoother and helped new users find their way around.

This era also sparked the plugin boom. Small add-ons solved big problems. It was the first time WordPress felt like a flexible platform, not just a blogging tool.

WordPress 3.x – Custom Post Types Revolution

WordPress 3.x was a turning point. It added custom post types, menus, and multisite. This is when WordPress became a true CMS.

I used this version to build my first client project that needed custom content. It handled it with ease and saved hours of work. Many business sites today still rely on features that started in 3.x.

WordPress 4.x – Global Usability and Stability

WordPress 4.x focused on global use. It improved the media library, search, and translations. It also prepared the ground for modern tools with the REST API.

Most users remember this era for stability. Sites felt smooth, and updates caused fewer issues. It made WordPress reliable for larger brands and teams.

WordPress 5.x – Gutenberg and the Block Editor

WordPress 5.x introduced the block editor. It changed how we build posts and pages by making everything visual.
I still remember switching from the Classic Editor. It felt strange at first. But after a week, it sped up my writing and saved so much time on layout work. This update shaped how themes and plugins work today.

WordPress 6.x – Full Site Editing and Modern Performance

WordPress 6.x brought full site editing, block themes, and big speed improvements. It made global design easier and cut load times across many sites.

This era focused on clean code, better caching, and better tools for creators. It also made the block editor smoother and more stable.

WordPress 7.x – Expected Updates for 2025 and Beyond

WordPress 7.x is expected to refine full site editing and push block themes further. We may see faster performance, better patterns, and more AI-friendly features.

If trends continue, updates will focus on speed, simple workflows, and tools that help non-technical users build full sites with ease. This will shape the next big chapter in the WordPress version history.

Major vs. Minor WordPress Releases

We’ve looked at how WordPress grew across the years, so this is a good time to explain the difference between major and minor releases. This helps you understand why some updates bring new features while others only fix small things.

Major releases add new tools and big changes. Minor releases fix bugs, improve security, and keep your site stable.

Here is a quick table you can scan:

Release Type	Version Format (Public)	What It Does	Frequency (Current Pattern)
Major Update	X.0 (e.g., 6.3)	New features, major editor (Gutenberg) changes, API/Core updates, theme updates.	Aims for three times each year.
Minor Update	X.Y.Z (e.g., 6.3.1)	Bug fixes, security patches, maintenance, small, non-disruptive improvements.	As needed for safety and stability.

Major updates feel big because they change how you use the platform. Minor updates feel light but often save you from trouble.

I still remember a client site where a minor update fixed a strange plugin conflict. A form stopped working, and the site owner was stressed. The update came out the next day and solved it right away.

It showed me how even a tiny patch can make your whole site run smoothly again. This simple difference helps you plan safe updates and avoid surprises when new versions come out.

Key Features Added in Each WordPress Era

We’ve moved through the major releases, so this is a good point to look at what each era added. 

These features shaped how we write, build, and manage websites today. This quick breakdown helps you see how the platform grew and why these changes still matter in the WordPress version history.

Editor Evolution (Classic → Gutenberg → FSE)

The editor changed more than any other part of WordPress. The Classic Editor was simple and felt like typing in a plain box. 

Gutenberg made content visual with blocks. Full Site Editing then took the next step and let you design whole sites with the same tools.

These shifts made WordPress easier for beginners and faster for creators. Building a page now feels more like stacking pieces than writing code by hand.

Chart: Timeline graphic showing Classic → Gutenberg → FSE.

Performance Improvements Over Time

Speed grew with each new version. WordPress 4.x made things smoother. WordPress 5.x boosted load times with better code and faster editors. WordPress 6.x pushed performance even more with smart caching and lighter scripts.

This slow rise in speed helped sites pass modern PageSpeed tests and load faster on all devices.

Chart: Bar graph showing PageSpeed gains from WordPress 4.x to 6.x.

Security Enhancements

Security grew step by step. WordPress added stronger password hashing. Then came auto-updates for small patches. Permissions also got better to keep user roles safe.

These changes cut risks for site owners. Even small sites stayed safe because the core handled the heavy work.

Mobile & Accessibility Updates

WordPress adapted as the web moved to phones. Themes became mobile-ready. The admin panel worked better on small screens. Accessibility tools also improved so more people could use the platform with ease.

These updates helped sites reach more users and meet modern web standards without extra tools.

Why WordPress Updates Matter: What Happens If You Don’t Update?

We just looked at how WordPress changed across the years, so this is the right moment to talk about why those updates matter.

Every new version fixes something important, even if it looks small. When a site stays outdated, the problems grow fast. I’ve seen this many times with client sites, and the issues are almost always the same.

Security Risk

Not updating your WordPress version opens the door to attacks. Old versions miss key patches. Hackers look for these weak spots and target them first.

A small vulnerability can let someone break in, change files, or take over the site. Updates close these gaps and keep your data safe with fresh security fixes.

Plugin and Theme Conflicts

Most plugins and themes are built for the latest version of WordPress. When the core gets old, things start to break. A form stops working. A layout shifts. A slider won’t load.

These issues look random, but they happen because old code no longer matches new plugin updates. Keeping WordPress current keeps everything working together.

SEO Ranking Impact

Search engines reward fast, safe, stable sites. Outdated sites load slower, break more, and fail on mobile tests. This hurts SEO. Google sees these problems and lowers rankings. A simple update often boosts speed and fixes errors, which helps your pages stay visible.

Real Case Study: A Client Who Delayed Updates

I once helped a client who had skipped updates for years. Their site looked fine at first, but small issues kept piling up. Forms stopped sending. The editor froze.

Then they got hit with malware because their version was far behind. We spent hours cleaning the site, fixing conflicts, and updating everything. If they had updated on time, they would have avoided all of it.

This experience taught me a simple truth. Updating WordPress is the easiest way to avoid stress and keep your site healthy. It saves time, improves safety, and keeps your whole setup running smoothly.

How to Check Your Current WordPress Version (Step-by-Step)

We just talked about why updates matter, so this is a good time to check the version you’re running now. It takes only a minute, and you don’t need any technical skills. Here are the three quickest ways to see your WordPress version.

Method 1: Check from the WordPress Dashboard

This is the easiest method. You can see your version right inside your admin area.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. You’ll see the version number right there.

If you use the newer admin UI, the version also appears under “At a Glance” on the main dashboard page. It’s clear and easy to find.

Method 2: Check Through the Site Health Panel

The Site Health panel gives more details about your setup. It’s helpful if you want a quick system check.

1. Go to Tools → Site Health.
2. Open the Info tab.
3. Scroll to WordPress and look for Version.

This section also shows if your version is outdated. It’s a simple way to confirm your setup without going deep into settings.

Method 3: Check by Viewing the Page Source

This works even if you don’t have admin access. It’s a quick way to check any public WordPress site.

1. Right-click on the homepage.
2. Select View Page Source.
3. Press Ctrl + F and search for “generator.”

You’ll see a line that includes the WordPress version. Some sites hide this tag for security, so this method may not work everywhere.

Complete WordPress Version List

We just checked how to find your WordPress version, so this is a good place to look at the full list of major releases. This simple list gives you a quick view of how WordPress changed over time.

Each line highlights the main feature that shaped the platform. It’s easy to scan and built for featured snippets, SGE, and voice search.

Major WordPress Versions at a Glance

• WordPress 0.7 (2003): First public release. Simple editor and clean setup.
• WordPress 1.0–1.5 (2004–2005): New admin tools, a better editor, and the first theme system.
• WordPress 2.0–2.9 (2005–2009): New dashboard, rich text editor, faster load times, and early plugin growth.
• WordPress 3.0 (2010): Custom post types, menus, and multisite. Big step toward a full CMS.
• WordPress 3.5–3.9 (2012–2014): Better media tools, cleaner UI, and smoother workflows.
• WordPress 4.0–4.9 (2014–2017): New media grid, global language support, REST API, and better customizer tools.
• WordPress 5.0 (2018): Gutenberg block editor. Full shift to visual editing.
• WordPress 5.1–5.9 (2019–2021): Faster editor, block patterns, and early site-editing features.
• WordPress 6.0 (2022): Full Site Editing, block themes, and smart style controls.
• WordPress 6.1–6.5 (2022–2024): Speed gains, cleaner code, better blocks, and layout tools.

This full version list gives you a clear snapshot of how WordPress grew. You can see when big features arrived and why each version mattered. It also gives you a quick guide when you work on old sites or plan safe updates.

Next, we’ll break down the full update history by year so you can track how often WordPress pushed new releases and what they focused on.

WordPress Update History by Year (2003–2025)

You just looked at the major versions, so this is a good time to see how often WordPress updated each year. This view helps you spot patterns in the release timeline and shows how the platform grew. It also gives you a fast way to compare major and minor updates side by side.

Yearly Update Breakdown

This table gives a clear summary of WordPress version changes over time. It shows the total number of updates, how many were major, how many were minor, and the key improvements made each year.

Year	Total Updates	Major Releases	Minor Releases	Key Improvements
2003	3	1 (0.7)	2	First public release; basic posting interface.
2004	5	2 (1.0, 1.2)	3	Plugin architecture introduced; search-friendly permalinks.
2005	6	2 (1.5, 2.0)	4	Plugin architecture introduced; search-friendly permalinks.
2006	7	0	7	Focused entirely on security and maintenance for version 2.0.
2007	13	3 (2.1–2.3)	10	Autosave; tagging support; new taxonomy system.
2008	11	3 (2.5–2.7)	8	Dashboard widgets; one-click plugin upgrades; shortcode API.
2009	13	2 (2.8, 2.9)	11	Built-in image editor; trash/undo feature; batch plugin updates.
2010	5	1 (3.0)	4	Custom Post Types & Menus; merged Multisite into core.
2011	11	3 (3.1–3.3)	8	Admin bar; post formats; faster, lighter interface.
2012	6	2 (3.4, 3.5)	4	Theme customizer; new media manager (drag-and-drop).
2013	11	3 (3.6–3.8)	8	Automatic background updates; modern, responsive admin design.
2014	12	3 (3.9–4.1)	9	Improved visual editor; media grid view; language selection.
2015	14	3 (4.2–4.4)	11	REST API infrastructure; emoji support; responsive images.
2016	19	3 (4.5–4.7)	16	Custom logo support; faster streamlined updates; REST API endpoints.
2017	12	2 (4.8, 4.9)	10	Media widgets; drafting & scheduling in Customizer.
2018	13	1 (5.0)	12	Gutenberg Block Editor launched; complete shift in editing.
2019	16	3 (5.1–5.3	13	Site Health check; block editor performance & UI refinement.
2020	14	3 (5.4–5.6)	11	Block patterns; lazy loading images; auto-updates for plugins.
2021	8	2 (5.7, 5.8)	6	WebP support; widget editor as blocks; template editor.
2022	13	3 (5.9–6.1)	10	Full Site Editing (FSE); block themes; global styles.
2023	12	3 (6.2–6.4)	9	Site Editor generic revamp; Command Palette; Lightbox.
2024	12	3 (6.5–6.7)	9	Font Library; Synced Patterns; Zoom Out mode; Performance.
2025	4	1 (6.8)	3	Speculative Loading (speed); Style Book updates; Accessibility.

Chart: Yearly Update Breakdown

This yearly breakdown gives you a clear view of how WordPress moved from simple updates to full site editing and faster block tools. It also helps you plan your own updates with a quick look at when major changes happened.

Practical Tips Before Updating WordPress

Before you update WordPress, it helps to take a few simple steps. We just walked through why updates matter, so this section shows how to prepare. These steps keep your site safe and make the update smooth.

Create a Backup: Always start with a full backup. It protects your files and your database. If anything goes wrong, you can restore the site in minutes. Most hosts offer one-click backups, so this step is quick.

Test in Staging: A staging site lets you test the update before it goes live. It helps you spot bugs, layout issues, or plugin errors. I test every update this way for clients, even small ones. It gives peace of mind and prevents surprises.

Check Plugin Compatibility: Make sure your plugins and theme support the new version. Check the changelog or plugin page. This small step avoids broken forms, slow pages, or missing layouts. If a plugin looks outdated, wait or switch to a safer option.

My Simple Client Workflow

Here is the workflow I use with clients.

1. Back up the site.
2. Update plugins first.
3. Test the update in staging.
4. Update WordPress core.
5. Clear the cache and check the site on mobile and desktop.

This flow keeps updates safe and fast. It also makes sure each part of the site works as expected.

FAQs About WordPress Version History

1. What was the first version of WordPress?

The first public version of WordPress was 0.7, released in 2003. It included a simple editor, clean setup, and basic posting interface.

2. How many major WordPress releases are there?

From 2003 to 2025, there have been 15+ major releases, starting with 0.7 and going up to 7.0. Major releases add big features like Gutenberg, full site editing, or custom post types.

3. How often does WordPress release updates?

WordPress releases major updates roughly 2–3 times per year, while minor updates (bug fixes, security patches) are released as needed.

4. Why does WordPress use jazz musician names?

WordPress major releases are named after famous jazz musicians to honor their creativity and influence. For example, version 5.0, “Bebo,” was named after jazz saxophonist Bebo Valdés.

5. What is the oldest version still supported?

WordPress officially supports the latest three major versions, so older versions beyond that are no longer maintained or secure. Always use the most recent version for safety.

6. How can I see the WordPress version on a site?

You can check the version by:

1. Looking at the dashboard footer in the admin area.
2. Going to Tools → Site Health → Info.
3. Viewing the page source and searching for “generator” (if not hidden).

Should I update WordPress immediately or wait?

It’s best to update WordPress promptly, especially for minor and security updates. For major updates, test on a staging site first to ensure plugins and themes are compatible.

A Simple Takeaway on WordPress Updates

We covered a lot here, and it’s been nice looking back at how far WordPress has come. I’ve watched it grow from a simple writing tool into a platform that powers almost anything you can imagine. Each update added something small or big that shaped how we build sites today.

If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this. Stay updated. It keeps your site fast, safe, and ready for the next change. Before you leave, take a minute to check which version you’re using now. A quick update today can save you from problems later.