A timeline of major WordPress releases

What’s changed in WordPress over the years – and why does it matter today?

WordPress has come a long way since its early days as a blogging tool in 2003. With each release, the platform has added new features, modern design tools, improved performance, and stronger security. But if your site is still running an older version, you might be missing out on more than just bells and whistles.

Let’s take a quick look at some major milestones in WordPress history:

Version 3.0 (2010): Custom post types and menus – a game changer for site flexibility.
Version 4.0 (2014): Media improvements and a better editor.
Version 5.0 (2018): The Gutenberg block editor, introducing a completely new way to build content.
Version 6.0+ (2022-present): Full Site Editing, advanced block themes, and a major leap toward modern web design standards.

Understanding the timeline helps you see how much progress has been made – and what you’re missing if you’re stuck on an outdated version. It’s not just about getting new toys; it’s about keeping your site secure, compatible with plugins, and aligned with modern web practices.