The leadership behind WordPress is planning a fundamental shift in how the world’s most popular content management system operates. A new proposal suggests treating artificial intelligence not as an optional add-on, but as a core component of the software. This change would place AI on the same level as the database, which is the essential system that stores all posts and settings.
Jason Adams writes about this in Make WordPress Core. He explains that the goal is to make AI models a standard resource that every developer can use without extra setup. Currently, many users find AI tools difficult to implement because they require complex technical keys or expensive subscriptions. By building these capabilities directly into the software, WordPress aims to remove those barriers.
The project introduces a specific tool called the WP AI Client, which is currently proposed for version 7.0 of the software. This client acts as a bridge between the website and various AI providers like OpenAI or Google. Developers could use simple commands to generate text, images, or summaries. The vision includes a future where website owners do not even realize they are using AI. It would simply power helpful features, such as automatically generating descriptive text for images or summarizing long articles for social media.
Hosting companies play a vital role in this new strategy. Just as hosts currently provide the database and server space, the proposal suggests they should also provide access to AI models. This would allow even non-technical users to access advanced intelligence as part of their standard hosting plan. Adams argues that this approach would give WordPress a massive advantage over competitors by unleashing the creativity of its vast developer community.
However, the proposal has met significant resistance from parts of the WordPress community. Many developers and site owners express concerns regarding the ethical and legal implications of generative AI. Critics argue that the technology can produce low-quality content, often referred to as “slop,” and raises questions about data privacy and environmental impact. Some community members have voiced fears that such deep integration could be a disaster for the ecosystem if not handled carefully.
In response to these concerns, the project team is exploring ways to give users control. This includes the ability to completely disable AI features at a code level. Some experts suggest a capability system where site owners must explicitly grant permission for AI tools to run. This would ensure that businesses with strict compliance or legal requirements can remain safe.
The development of the WP AI Client and other related tools like the Abilities API is already underway. While the debate continues, the proponents of the plan believe that AI is an inevitable industry shift. They argue that for WordPress to remain relevant in the next decade, it must embrace these tools as a foundational element.
