Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, announced it is restarting its contributions to the WordPress project, reversing an earlier decision to pause these efforts. In a recent blog post entitled “Returning to Core,” Automattic stated it is resuming active involvement in areas including WordPress Core, Gutenberg, Playground, Openverse, and WordPress.org, underscoring the move as a reaffirmation of its long-held mission to democratize publishing worldwide.
This announcement represents a sharp pivot from the company’s stance only a month prior, when it declared WordPress 6.8 would be the final major release for 2025. According to Automattic, the recent pause provided time to rethink strategic priorities and gain deeper insights into how WordPress is used, ultimately solidifying its commitment to furthering the project.
Internally, CEO Matt Mullenweg reportedly communicated his desire to expedite a WordPress version 6.9 release targeted for this year, featuring an administrative interface refresh along with new developments from the recently announced WordPress AI team. Sources familiar with the internal discussions indicate Mullenweg expressed doubts that completing these ambitious goals would be possible without Automattic’s active role.
Speculation abounds within industry circles regarding the motivations behind Automattic’s sudden reversal. Some industry insiders suspect external pressures or concerns over business reputation as potential drivers. Others believe the decision may relate to ongoing litigation between Automattic and WP Engine, a WordPress-focused hosting provider.
The dispute with WP Engine dates back to 2024, centered on disagreements surrounding the hosting company’s contributions—or perceived lack thereof—to WordPress as an open-source project. Mullenweg has accused WP Engine of profiting significantly from WordPress without giving sufficient support to its community. He further argued the hosting provider unjustly benefits from confusion between WordPress’s open-source community and WP Engine’s commercial products, resulting in trademark-related legal action taken by Automattic.
WP Engine countered with legal action of its own, maintaining that it does not require licensing from Automattic and accusing Mullenweg’s firm of misunderstanding trademark obligations.
Automattic’s recent strategic changes come as the company continues navigating significant internal restructuring. Last month, it laid off 16% of its workforce, framing the decision as necessary to boost agility, productivity, and profitability.
Currently, the exact motivations behind Automattic’s renewed engagement with WordPress remain unclear, with its official explanation of strategic realignment failing to entirely dispel industry conjecture regarding underlying reasons.
