WordPress 7.1 "Mary Lou" Update: What Changed and Do You Need Help?

Quick answer

WordPress 7.1, codenamed "Mary Lou", released on 19 August 2026. It moves image processing into the browser, makes the post editor consistent across all themes, adds Playlist and Tabs blocks, and improves accessibility and performance. Most sites should test on staging before updating, particularly if they run custom or older blocks. Web Choice provides managed WordPress updates from £35 a month, so you never have to test a release on your own live site.

If you would rather have this handled for you, get in touch with Web Choice on +44 117 239 5357 and we will take care of your update safely.

---

What is new in WordPress 7.1?

WordPress 7.1 is the second major WordPress release of 2026, following "Armstrong" (7.0) in May. It arrived on schedule throughout its beta and release candidate cycle. Where 7.0 introduced a redesigned dashboard and the groundwork for real time collaboration, 7.1 is a more focused release: it improves how WordPress handles media, makes the editor behave more consistently, and adds a handful of new blocks and developer tools.

Faster, more flexible media handling

Image compression, resizing and thumbnail generation now run in the browser, using a WebAssembly build of the libvips image library, rather than on your server. This reduces server load and processing time, and helps sites avoid hitting PHP memory limits or upload restrictions when handling large images.

Media handling in 7.1 also natively supports AVIF, HEIC and HDR gain map images, so the formats modern phones and cameras actually produce are handled without extra plugins.

A more consistent editing experience

The post editor is now fully iframed for all themes, isolating the editing canvas from admin styling. This does not remove any existing functionality, but it makes the editing canvas behave consistently and predictably, in the same way the front end does. This is the change most worth testing on staging before updating, since blocks built on older Block API versions may need attention.

The admin bar now stays with you as you move between the dashboard and the editor, keeping navigation and access to familiar tools consistent wherever you are in WordPress, alongside some visual polish.

Styling without touching CSS

Block themes can now define their own responsive breakpoints in theme.json, rather than being limited to the defaults, extending how far responsive styles and block visibility can go.

Interactive state styling gives direct control over hover, focus, focus visible and active states from the editor's style controls, so changes like a button colour on hover no longer require custom CSS.

New blocks and custom icons

A Playlist block brings multiple audio tracks together in one player, with an optional waveform view for each track. A Tabs block organises content into panels so information can be presented without overwhelming the page.

Developers can also register their own icon collections so they are available throughout the editor alongside the built in icon library, rather than being locked inside a single plugin.

Collaboration: Notes get richer, real time editing still not here

Notes now support rich text and @mentions, making it easier to leave clear feedback and keep the right people in the loop. You can start multiple notes on a specific piece of text within a block and collapse long conversations to keep the margin tidy.

Real time collaborative editing has still not shipped. It was pulled from WordPress 7.0 shortly before release, and 7.1 has put its collaboration investment into Notes instead.

Accessibility and performance

WordPress 7.1 makes further accessibility improvements across WordPress Core and the editor, including updates to the wp_get_list_item() and wp_get_taglist() functions, bringing more accessible markup to more parts of the admin.

On performance, the Media Library now uses infinite scrolling by default, with an option to switch it off under Settings > Media, so site owners can choose how much preloaded content suits their environment.

Developer toolbox

The Icon API is now public, with functions such as wp_register_icon_collection(), wp_register_icon() and wp_get_icon() letting developers register and use their own icon collections. The Abilities API, first introduced in WordPress 6.9, gains a filterable discovery lifecycle, custom validation and shared discovery, making it easier to build integrations and automation, including AI powered tooling, on top of WordPress.

---

Is it safe to update to WordPress 7.1?

For most established sites, the sensible approach is to wait a week or two, letting plugin authors release their 7.1 compatible updates, then test on a staging copy before pushing to production. Brand new sites with few plugins have little reason to wait.

Whatever your timeline, back up your site before updating, and check under Dashboard > Updates once you are ready to move.

---

Frequently asked questions

When was WordPress 7.1 released?

WordPress 7.1, codenamed "Mary Lou", released on 19 August 2026.

What is the biggest change in WordPress 7.1?

Image processing has moved from the server into the browser, using a WebAssembly build of the libvips library. This reduces server load and helps prevent memory limit errors on large image uploads.

Will WordPress 7.1 break my site?

It can, if your site relies on custom or older blocks built on earlier Block API versions, because the post editor is now fully iframed for all themes. Testing on staging before updating is the safest approach.

Does WordPress 7.1 include real time collaborative editing?

No. Real time collaboration was pulled from WordPress 7.0 before release and has still not shipped in 7.1. This cycle's collaboration investment went into Notes instead.

Who can update my WordPress site for me?

Web Choice offers managed WordPress updates and ongoing site maintenance, so your site is tested, backed up and updated safely without you having to do it yourself.

---

Let Web Choice handle your WordPress update

Testing a major WordPress release on a live site is a risk not worth taking. Web Choice has delivered over 1,400 websites since 2009, holds a 5 star rating on FreeIndex and 4.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews, and keeps 97% of clients on retainer. Our WordPress support plans start from £35 a month and include safe, tested updates as standard.

Call Web Choice on +44 117 239 5357 or visit our WordPress development agency page to get your site updated safely, ahead of the next release.