WordPress 6.9 Release Candidate 3 Testing Guide and Highlights

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WordPress 6.9 Release Candidate 3 (RC3) has been released, signaling the imminent arrival of the final version. The following is a summary of key information compiled into a reference document to help readers quickly understand its status and participate in testing.

Key Timeline

WordPress 6.9 Official Release Scheduled for December 2, 2025As the final major release of 2025, version 6.9 will introduce key improvements to the site editor, new development tools, and performance optimizations—all designed to make WordPress more powerful and easier to use.

Why participate in the test?

Participating in testing WordPress beta and release candidate versions is of significant value:

• Detect vulnerabilities as early as possibleThe sooner an issue is detected, the smoother the upgrade process will be for millions of users.
• directly impacts product qualityEach test report helps refine and perfect WordPress before launch.
• Community ContributionsWhether you can spare five minutes or the entire afternoon, every contribution makes a difference.

Test Environment Setup Method

Test Methods	Difficulty Level	Applicable Scenarios	procedure
Playground	⭐☆☆☆☆	Quick Experience, Simple Test	Access the online Playground directly, no installation required.
Locally hosted site	⭐⭐☆☆☆	Full-featured testing, plugin compatibility	Set up a local environment using Local or wp-env, and switch between environments via the Beta Tester plugin.
WP-CLI	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	Developers, Quick Version Switching	Execute the command:wp core update --version=6.9-RC1
Transit Environment	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	Real-world environment simulation, team collaboration	Test on a temporary copy of the production website

Detailed Setup Guide

Using the Beta Tester plugin:

1. Install and activate the WordPress Beta Tester plugin
2. Go to Tools > Beta Testing
3. Select the "Bleeding edge" and "Beta/RC Only" options
4. Save changes and update WordPress

Using WP-CLI:

1. Create a local WordPress site using your preferred method.
2. After setting up the website, open the terminal and navigate to the root directory where WordPress is installed.
3. Execute the following command to update to the latest beta version:

wp core update --version=6.9-beta3maybeWordPress core update --version=6.9-RC3

(Version numbers will be updated as needed.)

The advantage of this method is that it allows for quick switching between different versions, making it easier to test specific builds.

General Test Checklist

When testing WordPress 6.9, be sure to check the following key items:

• Theme and Plugin CompatibilityUpdate to the latest version and test the functionality.
• Website Health StatusCheck for new errors or warnings
• Layout IntegrityConfirm there are no layout breaks or element misalignments.
• Links and PermalinksTest all links to avoid 404 errors.
• Content DisplayVerify the correct display of posts, images, and media.
• Administrator DashboardEnsure full access and error-free operation.
• Custom Block FeatureCreate content and edit existing content
• Browser compatibilityTesting website functionality across different browsers
• responsive designVerify display performance across various device sizes.
• Automated tasksConfirm scheduled tasks such as publishing and backup are running normally.

Key Feature Testing

1. Notes Feature (formerly "Block-level Comments")

The memo feature allows users to attach feedback directly to individual blocks within the editor, significantly enhancing the collaborative experience.

Test Steps:

1. Insert any block into a page/post
2. Click the Settings dropdown menu in the Block toolbar.
3. Select "Add Note"
4. Add note content to the sidebar
5. Verify whether the note was successfully added and displayed.

Additional Test Scenarios:

• Blank blocks should not permit the addition of notes.
• Edit, delete, and resolve notes
• Threaded Notes and Reply Function
• Persistence of Notes After Publication
• Keyboard and Screen Reader Accessibility

2. Block Hiding Feature

WordPress 6.9 introduces the option to hide individual blocks, giving content creators greater flexibility.

Test Steps:

1. Select blocks in posts, pages, or templates
2. Click the "Hide" control in the toolbar.
3. Confirmation blocks are no longer visible on the front end.
4. Test the re-display function
5. Verify the hidden behavior of nested blocks

3. Command Palette Extension

The Command Palette is now available in both the editor and dashboard, enabling quick navigation and action execution.

Test Scenario:

• Use the shortcut (Cmd/Ctrl + K) to open the Command Palette.
• Search Navigation Targets ("Posts," "Pages," "Plugins")
• Trigger actions ("Add New Post," "Add New Page")
• Verify Context-Aware Commands
• Check role-based permission filtering

4. Intuitive drag-and-drop operation

The drag-and-drop functionality has been improved, now directly moving the actual block instead of dragging handles.

Test Focus:

• Smooth movement and animation effects of blocks
• Visual feedback during block dragging (slight transparency)
• Drag-and-drop behavior within nested blocks
• Undo/Redo Functionality Integrity

5. New Blocks and Feature Enhancements

New Block/Feature	Test Focus	Special Note
accordion block	Collapsible content, style options, nested functionality	Suitable for FAQs and content organization
Terminology Lookup Block	Classification selection, term display, counting function	Similar to query blocks but tailored for terminology
Mathematics Block	LaTeX expressions, inline math formatting	Powerful Tools for Educational and Technical Content
Fit Text Feature	Automatic text scaling, responsive adjustment	New Features for Paragraphs and Heading Blocks
Reading Time Block	Time estimation accuracy, dynamic updates	Enhancing Content User Experience

Developer-Specific Testing

Capability API Testing

The Abilities API provides a standardized interface for AI integration.

Test Steps:

1. Test PHP Capabilities Registration Using Custom Plugins
2. Verify REST Endpoint Functionality
3. Test Core Capabilities (Site Information, User Information, Environment Information)
4. Check Permissions and Access Control

Interactive API Improvements

Testing support for new styles and script modules in client navigation.

Test Focus:

• Style Sheet Manager Functionality
• Script Module Manager
• Shared Logic for Full-Page Navigation
• Consistency in navigation styles between block pages

HTML API Update

Verify the stability of HTML processing functionality:

• wp_kses_hair function (math.)
• wp_html_split functionality
• wp_strip_all_tags gestion
• get_url_in_content accuracy

Performance and Asset Inspection

During testing, please pay particular attention to the following performance aspects:

• Asset loading for hidden blocksConfirm that related CSS/JS for hidden blocks are no longer actively loaded.
• LCP OptimizationImprovements to Validating the Maximum Content Paint Metric
• Resource PriorityCheck for lazy loading of non-critical scripts
• Layout StabilityPrevent layout shifts, especially for video blocks

Problem Reporting Guide

If you encounter any issues, please report them through the following channels:

Type of problem	Reporting Channel	caveat
Core functionality issues	WordPress Core Trac	Provide detailed steps to reproduce the issue.
Editor-related issues	Gutenberg GitHub Repository	Includes browser and environment information
Uncertain issues	Alpha/Beta Support Forum	Community Discussion and Confirmation
Specific functional issues	Related follow-up questions	Quote relevant PR or ticket number

An effective error report should include:

• Clear problem description
• Detailed steps to reproduce
• Environment Information (WordPress Version, PHP Version, Browser)
• Relevant screenshots or error logs
• Comparison of Expected and Actual Behavior

Testing Techniques and Best Practices

1. Test like real usersUse your website for its intended purpose.
2. Covering various user rolesTest administrators, editors, authors, and other roles with different permissions
3. Cross-platform testingVerify functionality across different operating system and browser combinations.
4. Performance MonitoringNote: Slow loading, delays, or other performance issues may occur.
5. Accessibility TestingVerify color contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.
6. Mobile Device TestingEnsure a smooth experience on phones and tablets

Continuous Testing Participation

WordPress 6.9 testing is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and feedback even after the official release.

• Join the #core-test Slack channel for real-time updates.
• Participate in weekly scheduled test team meetings
• Stay tuned for testing opportunities for subsequent minor version updates.
• Share testing experiences and best practices

concluding remarks

WordPress 6.9 represents a significant advancement for the content management system. From revolutionary collaboration tools to powerful developer APIs, this release delivers value for everyone. By participating in testing, users not only get an early look at these innovative features but also contribute to the quality and stability of the entire WordPress community.

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