Release identity
WordPress 7.1 is a major version of WordPress, the open source publishing platform used by websites worldwide, from creators and small businesses to enterprises. Following the project's convention of naming major releases after jazz musicians, 7.1 is named for Mary Lou. It was released on 19 August 2026, following version 7.0 ("Louis Armstrong") of 20 May 2026.
- Version: 7.1
- Named for: Mary Lou
- Release date: 19 August 2026
- Part of the WordPress open source project
Features in 7.1
The release is presented as making styling and editing easier. Block styles can be customised responsively across screen sizes and interactive states without writing CSS. The media editor has been streamlined to place the most used tools front and centre, Notes support rich text and @mentions, and the admin bar remains available across both the Site Editor and the block editor.
- Responsive block styling across screen sizes
- Styling for interactive states without CSS
- Streamlined media editor
- Notes with rich text and @mentions
- Admin bar persists across Site Editor and block editor
Platform context
WordPress 7.1 sits within the wider WordPress platform, which combines flexible design tools and blocks for building sites, real-time editing as content is added and rearranged, and an extensive plugin library for extending a site with features such as stores, analytics, newsletters and social media integration. Sites can start from a blank canvas or from a theme, and customisation is possible without code. Learning resources, documentation and community events accompany the software.
- Block-based design tools and themes
- Real-time editing and content management
- Plugin library for added functionality
- Documentation, learning resources and a browser-based trial
Availability and adoption
WordPress is open source software distributed through WordPress.org, where the platform can be downloaded and hosting options found. The site publishes a running count of downloads for the current release; the counter records 16,413,690 downloads of WordPress 7.1. A subsequent maintenance and security release, WordPress 7.1.1, was announced on 17 September 2026.
- Downloads of 7.1 recorded: 16,413,690
- Maintenance and security update: WordPress 7.1.1, 17 September 2026
- Available from wordpress.org
Sources
Last verified 18 Sep 2026. This entry is compiled from the public web pages listed above. Nothing here is stated that those pages do not, and each of them was read on the date shown.