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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →WordPress moves a planned major release through development, beta testing, release candidates (RCs), and launch. A typical major-release cycle takes about four months, but WordPress does not follow a fixed calendar. Beta builds invite broad bug testing; RCs are potential final versions focused on last-minute regressions. Both are prereleases, so test them on a separate site—not a live or mission-critical one.
How the WordPress release cycle works
The WordPress Core handbook describes a typical cycle from initial scoping to launch as about four months. Contributors plan the work, develop features, open prereleases to testing, and publish the finished version through WordPress Admin. The timing is a target, not a promise: release teams choose dates and work backward from them.
- Planning and team leads: Contributors discuss the next release, recruit feature leads, and set a schedule. The handbook describes roughly four-month spacing—often April, August, and December—as a useful cadence, not a fixed timetable. WordPress Core: How the Release Cycle Works.
- Development: Feature leads assemble teams and coordinate work toward the planned release. WordPress Core release-cycle handbook.
- Beta testing: Beta builds make the software available to a broader group. Testers look for bugs; new enhancements and feature requests stop being committed for the remainder of that release. WordPress Core release-cycle handbook.
- Release candidates: Once the release squad considers the code a possible final version, RCs invite further testing. The work shifts toward fixing regressions from the current cycle, and a hard string freeze applies. More than one RC may be issued as bugs are fixed. A release branch can be created after RC1 so development can begin on the next release. WordPress Core: Releasing Major Versions.
- Launch and follow-up: The final version becomes available through WordPress Admin. A minor release often follows soon afterward; minor releases commonly improve existing features and functionality. WordPress Core release-cycle handbook.
How beta and release candidate builds differ
Both are prerelease software intended for testing, not production use. The key difference is where the release stands and what testers should focus on.
| Stage | Purpose of testing | Feature and string changes | Production use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta | Find bugs through broad testing while the release is still being developed. | New enhancements and feature requests stop being committed for the rest of the cycle. | Not for production or mission-critical sites. |
| Release candidate (RC) | Check a potential final version, with work focused on regressions from the current cycle. | A hard string freeze applies; multiple RCs may be issued to address reported bugs. | Not for production or mission-critical sites. |
The distinctions in the table follow the release-cycle handbook, major-release guidance, and the WordPress 7.1 RC1 announcement.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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What the WordPress 7.1 schedule illustrates
As announced in 2026, WordPress 7.1 Beta 1 was released July 15, followed by RC1 on August 5; the RC1 announcement listed August 19, 2026 as the scheduled final release date. That was the schedule announced at the time, not a guarantee of the eventual launch date. The WordPress release archive also lists WordPress 7.0’s launch on May 20, 2026, followed by 7.0.1, a maintenance release, on July 9 and 7.0.2, a security release, on July 17. These entries show how prereleases, major launches, and later maintenance or security updates fit together; they are examples, not a promise that every cycle follows the same dates.
The 7.1 announcements also give a sense of the work recorded during particular points in that cycle. WordPress.org’s July 29, 2026 Beta 4 announcement reported more than 114 updates and fixes since Beta 3: 51 in the Editor and 63 in Core. The August 5, 2026 RC1 announcement reported more than 145 since Beta 4: 57 in the Editor and 88 in Core. These are release-specific counts, not typical totals for other cycles or measures of software quality (Beta 4 announcement; RC1 announcement).
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When and how to test a WordPress prerelease
Test a beta or RC only in an isolated test environment. WordPress.org’s RC1 announcement explicitly warns against installing, running, or testing prerelease software on production or mission-critical websites. A staging site or test server lets you check your setup without exposing a live site to unfinished software.
For the WordPress 7.1 RC1, WordPress.org listed these testing routes:
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- The WordPress Beta Tester plugin.
- A direct download.
- WP-CLI.
- WordPress Playground.
Those options are listed in the WordPress 7.1 RC1 announcement. Use its instructions for that specific prerelease rather than assuming every release offers identical installation steps.
What plugin, theme, and hosting developers should check
Plugin and theme authors can use prereleases to check compatibility and prepare updates. WordPress.org asks them to test their software and update the “Tested up to” version in the plugin readme when appropriate. Host-system testing also helps inform compatibility and rollout quality. The RC1 announcement points testers who find reproducible bugs to the Alpha/Beta support forum or WordPress Trac (WordPress 7.1 RC1 announcement).
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Test plugin and theme behavior against the prerelease in a non-production environment.
- Check for regressions and report bugs that can be reproduced.
- Update “Tested up to” in a plugin readme when the compatibility check supports doing so.
- For bug reports, use the Alpha/Beta support forum or WordPress Trac as directed by the release announcement.
How often does WordPress release a major update?
The Core handbook calls roughly four months a usual cycle length and describes April, August, and December as a useful spacing pattern. Neither the duration nor those months are a fixed schedule. Check WordPress.org’s release announcements for the dates and status of a specific version, since an individual cycle can differ from the typical cadence.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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