“The 6.2.2 minor release addresses 1 bug and 1 security issue. Because this is a security release, it is recommended that you update your sites immediately. All versions since WordPress 5.9 have also been updated. WordPress 6.2.2 is a rapid response release to address a regression in 6.2.1 and further patch a vulnerability addressed in 6.2.1. The next major release will be version 6.3 planned for August 2023. The update process will begin automatically if you have sites that support automatic background updates.”
Current WordPress Version
The latest version of WordPress according to the release archive is 6.2.2 which was released on May 20th, 2023. Check out WordPress’s news post about version 6.2. To save you some time, here is the TLDR.
- Previews of templates in the WordPress Site Editor.
- Increased speed for menu management in the Navigation block.
- New design for a smoother experience in Block Inserter.
- Block settings now have Settings and Styles.
- New header and footer templates.
- Access Openverse media from the Editor.
- Distraction Free writing mode.
- Updates to the Style Book.
- Copy and pasting styles.
- Custom CSS.
Performance Highlights
- Block themes load 14-18% faster.
- Classic themes load 2-5% faster.
- Server-side performance has gained 17-23% for block themes.
- Server-side performance has gained 3-5% for classic themes.
Security Update
In version 6.2.1 a security issue was identified and patched where block themes parsed shortcodes in user-generated data. Version 6.2.2 contains hardening for the patch in the last version. To read more about the security update check the security release in the WordPress news blog. You can see more about this issue in the reported security ticket.
Privacy Update
TLDR: Local fonts in default WordPress themes offer better privacy with Google Fonts now included.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where concerns about data privacy and online security have become ever more prevalent, the significance of making informed choices regarding the tools and resources utilized on your WordPress website cannot be underestimated. One such crucial decision involves the use of fonts – an integral aspect of your site’s design and visual appeal.
In the past, Google Fonts have been a popular choice for web developers due to their vast array of font options and ease of integration. Nevertheless, their usage often comes with a cost – one that extends beyond monetary concerns. By employing Google Fonts, website owners essentially call upon external servers to handle the delivery of these font files, inadvertently sharing critical user data, including IP addresses and browsing habits, with Google’s servers. This information exchange can raise eyebrows among privacy-conscious users who value maintaining greater control over their data.
Enter the local fonts, the unsung heroes of WordPress themes. With default themes increasingly including a diverse range of local font options, web designers and developers now have a compelling alternative at their fingertips. Unlike externally hosted fonts, local fonts are stored directly on your own server, granting you full autonomy over the font files and the data associated with them.
Embracing local fonts not only empowers you to safeguard your users’ privacy by reducing unnecessary data exposure but also enhances your website’s loading speed and performance. By eliminating the need for external requests to fetch font files from third-party servers, your site’s performance can receive a substantial boost, positively impacting user experience and search engine rankings alike.
Moreover, local fonts are an excellent choice for those looking to create a distinct visual identity for their website. With Google Fonts being widely used across the web, choosing a local font allows your website to stand out from the crowd and truly reflect your brand’s unique personality and style.
In conclusion, while Google Fonts have been a prevalent choice for many WordPress users in the past, the inclusion of local fonts in default themes presents a compelling opportunity to prioritize user privacy, optimize site performance, and establish a distinct brand identity. By thoughtfully considering the implications of font selection, you can take a proactive step towards ensuring a safer, faster, and more tailored user experience on your WordPress website. So, the next time you embark on the design journey for your digital domain, don’t overlook the subtle power of local fonts and the benefits they can bring to your online presence.
Translating WordPress Progress Update
The Polyglots team, a group of passionate volunteers within the WordPress community, has taken on the monumental task of ensuring that WordPress is available in dozens of languages. Their commitment goes far beyond mere translation; it encompasses the entire process of adapting the CMS to diverse linguistic nuances and cultural contexts. This includes translating not only the core WordPress software but also themes, plugins, and other associated resources.