Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading to WordPress 6.8: Features and Best Practices

WordPress 6.8, released on April 15, 2025, introduces several enhancements aimed at improving performance, security, and the overall user experience. In this guide, I'll delve into the new features and provides a step-by-step approach to upgrading your WordPress site safely and effectively.

Key Features in WordPress 6.8:

1. Speculative Loading for Enhanced Performance:
   WordPress 6.8 integrates speculative loading using the Speculation Rules API. This feature preloads pages that users are likely to visit next, resulting in faster page transitions and improved user experience. It's enabled by by default for sites with pretty permalinks and is supported in modern browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Opera.
   
   

   Feature: Speculative LoadingSupport: Chromium-based browsers (Chrome 121+, Edge 121+)Default Mode: Prefetch with conservative eagerness    

   
   Developers can customize the behavior using the wp_load_speculation_rules action to define specific prefetching or prerendering rules.
   
   

2. Enhanced Style Book for Better Design Control:

   The Style Book in the Site Editor now offers a more organized layout with clearer labels, making it easier to manage global styles like typography and color schemes. This enhancement streamlines the design process, especially for themes utilizing theme.json or editor styles.
   
   

3. Improved Password Security with bcrypt:

   WordPress 6.8 upgrades password hashing from PHPass to bcrypt, providing stronger security against brute-force attacks. Existing passwords are rehashed automatically upon user login or password change, ensuring enhanced protection without manual intervention.
   
   

4. Editor Enhancements for a Smoother Experience:
   The block editor receives several updates, including improved Data Views and the ability to exclude sticky posts from the Query Loop. These refinements contribute to a more intuitive content creation process.

   
   

Steps to Safely Upgrade to WordPress 6.8

1. Backup Your Website:
   Before initiating the upgrade, ensure you have a complete backup of your site, including files and the database. Utilize plugins like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration for automated backups.
   
   

   Plugin: UpdraftPlusAction: Manual or scheduled backup of all website data    

   
   Store backups securely, such as in cloud storage or on an external drive, to prevent data loss.
   
   

2. Test in a Staging Environment:

   • Create a staging site using hosting tools or plugins like WP Staging.
   • Apply the WordPress 6.8 update in the staging environment to identify and resolve potential issues before deploying to the live site.

   Testing in a staging environment ensures that your live site remains unaffected during the upgrade process.
   
   

3. Update Plugins and Themes:

   Ensure all plugins and themes are updated to their latest versions to maintain compatibility with WordPress 6.8.
   
   

   Dashboard: Plugins > Update AllThemes > Update Theme    

   *This step minimizes compatibility issues and leverages the latest features and security patches.
   
   

4. Upgrade WordPress Core:

   Navigate to the WordPress Dashboard, and under "Updates," click "Update Now." Monitor the update process for any warnings or errors.
   
   

5. Verify Site Functionality:
   After the upgrade, thoroughly test your website's functionality, including forms, navigation, and e-commerce features, to ensure everything operates as expected.

   Utilize browser developer tools or error log plugins to troubleshoot any issues that arise.
   
   

Additional Considerations

Before proceeding with the upgrade, consider the following:

• Ensure your PHP version is 8.0 or higher to maintain compatibility with WordPress 6.8.
• Review custom code for compatibility with the new bcrypt password hashing.
• Check plugin and theme documentation for any specific instructions related to WordPress 6.8.

Requirement: PHP 8.0 or higherAction: Review custom code and third-party extensions for compatibility

FAQs

1. What is speculative loading, and how does it benefit my site?

Speculative loading anticipates user navigation and preloads pages accordingly, resulting in faster page transitions and improved user experience. It's particularly beneficial for content-heavy websites aiming to enhance performance metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP).

2. Is manual intervention required for the bcrypt password hashing update?

No manual action is necessary. WordPress 6.8 automatically rehashes passwords using bcrypt upon user login or password change, enhancing security seamlessly.

3. How can I customise speculative loading behavior?

Developers can customise speculative loading by utilising the wp_load_speculation_rules action to define specific prefetching or prerendering rules based on site requirements.

Need Assistance with the Upgrade?

If you require support during the upgrade process or have questions about WordPress 6.8 features, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or schedule a consultation through our website. We're here to ensure a smooth transition to the latest WordPress version.