WordPress 6.9 marks the second and final major release of the platform in 2025. Following the mid-April release of WordPress 6.8, this update brings a wide range of enhancements that benefit site owners, designers, developers, and everyday users alike. While there’s no single standout feature, this release is packed with functional improvements that aim to enhance creativity, performance, and workflows.

As expected, WordPress 6.9 delivers a variety of smaller – but meaningful – enhancements. From upgraded tools for developers to a smoother editing experience for site owners, these changes are designed to support more flexible site-building and faster workflows.

However, unlike past major versions, WordPress 6.9 doesn’t launch with a new default theme. Instead, the next theme, Twenty Twenty-Six, is scheduled for release in 2026. While we wait, this update still sets the stage for how WordPress is evolving out of the box.

Keep reading for my full breakdown of what’s changed, what’s improved, and how you can make the most of the new features in WordPress 6.9.