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Automattic says it will start contributing to WordPress again after pause | TechCrunch

May 30, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has announced it will resume its contributions to the WordPress project after a brief pause. This decision comes despite a previous statement indicating that the 6.8 WordPress release would be the final major release for 2025. The company plans to contribute to various aspects of WordPress, including Core, Gutenberg, Playground, Openverse, and WordPress.org. Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg aims to release a 6.9 version this year featuring an admin refresh and new AI developments. The pause allowed Automattic to reassess its strategy and reaffirm its commitment to democratizing publishing.

Speculation surrounds the reasons for Automattic's change of heart, with some insiders suggesting pressure or business reputation concerns. Additionally, Automattic is involved in a legal dispute with WP Engine, accusing the hosting company of benefiting from WordPress's open-source work without adequate contribution. Mullenweg argues that WP Engine should either pay a licensing fee or increase its contributions to the project. The legal battle has led to mutual lawsuits over trademark usage. Recently, Automattic laid off 16% of its staff to improve agility and productivity.

Key takeaways:

  • Automattic is resuming its contributions to the WordPress project after a brief pause, aiming to support WordPress Core, Gutenberg, Playground, Openverse, and WordPress.org.
  • Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg wants to release WordPress 6.9 this year, featuring an admin refresh and contributions from a new AI team.
  • Speculation surrounds the reasons for Automattic's change of heart, with theories including business reputation concerns and ongoing litigation with WP Engine.
  • Automattic is in a legal dispute with WP Engine over trademark usage and contribution levels to the WordPress project, with both companies suing each other.
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