The second release candidate (RC2) for WordPress 6.5 is ready!
This version of the WordPress software is under development.Please do not install, run, or test this version of WordPress on production or mission-critical websites.Instead, it’s recommended that you evaluate RC2 on a test server and site.
While release candidates are considered ready for release, testing remains crucial to ensure that everything in WordPress 6.5 is the best it can be.
You can test WordPress 6.5 RC2 in four ways:
Plugin
Install and activate theWordPress Beta Testerplugin on a WordPress install. (Select the “Bleeding edge” channel and “Beta/RC Only” stream).
Use the followingWP-CLIcommand: wp core update --version=6.5-RCtwo
WordPress Playground
Use the6.5 RC2 WordPress Playground instance(available within 35 minutes after the release is ready) to test the software directly in your browser without the need for a separate site or setup.
The current target for the WordPress 6.5 release isMarch 26, 2024. That’s a mere two weeks away! Get an overview of the6.5 release cycle, and check theMake WordPress Core blogfor6.5-related postsin the coming weeks for further details.
What to expect in WordPress 6.5 RC2
Thanks to the many contributors testing up to this point, this release includes approximately 20 bug fixes for the Editor and 30+tickets for WordPress Core. For more technical information related to issues addressed since RC1, you can browse the following links:
As synced patterns evolve and improve, every enhancement must continue to provide the best experience possible. With this in mind, WordPress 6.5will not include the ability to override content in synced patterns. This allows more time for feedback and testing to ensure it can really shine. Expect this feature to debut in the next major release!
Contribute to this release
WordPress is open source software made possible by a passionate community of people collaborating on and contributing to its development. The resources below outline various ways you can help the world’s most popular open source web platform, regardless of your technical expertise.
Get involved in testing
Testing for issues is critical to ensuring WordPress is performant and stable. It’s also a meaningful way for anyone to contribute.This detailed guidewill walk you through testing features in WordPress 6.5. For those new to testing, followthis general testing guidefor more details on getting set up.
If you encounter an issue, please report it to theAlpha/Beta areaof the support forums or directly toWordPress Tracif you are comfortable writing a reproducible bug report. You can also check your issue against a list ofknown bugs.
For plugin and theme authors, your products play an integral role in extending the functionality and value of WordPress for all users.
Thanks for continuing to test your themes and plugins with the WordPress 6.5 beta releases. With RC1, you’ll want to conclude your testing and update the“Tested up to”version in yourplugin’s readme fileto 6.5.
If you find compatibility issues, please post detailed information to thesupport forum.