Last checked and updated on April 20, 2026What Is New in WordPress 5.6
This release, named "Simone" in honor of jazz singer Nina Simone, brings a major update to the jQuery library, introduces automatic core updates for minor releases, and adds new tools for application passwords and block editor enhancements.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Core Updates | Automatic updates for minor releases |
| jQuery | Updated to version 3.5.1 and the new jQuery Migrate 3.3.2 |
| REST API & Authentication | Application Passwords for REST API authentication |
| Block Editor | New blocks, pattern transformations, and button width control |
| Accessibility | Improved accessibility in the admin UI and editor |
How does the jQuery update affect my site?
WordPress 5.6 ships with jQuery 3.5.1 and the new jQuery Migrate 3.3.2 plugin. This is a significant jump from the older jQuery versions and helps modernize the core codebase.
In practice, this means some older themes and plugins that rely on deprecated jQuery functions might break. The jQuery Migrate helper plugin is included to help identify these issues during development, but it's a temporary measure. You should test your code thoroughly.
What are Application Passwords for?
Application Passwords provide a secure way to authenticate with the WordPress REST API without using a user's main password. You can generate unique passwords for specific applications, like a mobile app or a desktop client.
This matters because it revokes a key pain point for developers building decoupled applications. Each password can be managed and revoked individually, making it much safer than using basic authentication with a primary user credential.
What's new in the Block Editor?
The editor gets several quality-of-life improvements. You can now set custom widths for buttons, which is a simple but powerful design control. Pattern transformations allow you to convert a single block into a more complex pre-defined pattern of blocks.
New social icons and button blocks are added to core, reducing the need for extra plugins for common design elements. The overall UI also sees accessibility improvements, making it easier to navigate for everyone.
Should I enable auto-updates?
WordPress 5.6 introduces the ability for sites to receive automatic updates for all future minor and major releases. This feature is designed to keep sites secure and up-to-date with minimal manual intervention.
For most site owners, this is a great set-and-forget security feature. However, as a developer managing client sites, you might want to implement a staging workflow first. Always test major updates, even if they are automatic, to avoid surprises from theme or plugin conflicts.
FAQ
Is the jQuery Migrate plugin enabled by default?
No, the jQuery Migrate 3.3.2 plugin is included in core but is not activated by default. Site owners or developers must install and activate it manually from the plugin directory to help debug deprecated jQuery usage.
How do I generate an Application Password?
Navigate to your User Profile screen in the WordPress admin. You'll find a new "Application Passwords" section at the bottom where you can create a new password by providing a name for the application.
Does the auto-update feature include plugins and themes?
No. The automatic update feature introduced in 5.6 is specifically for WordPress core updates (both minor and major releases). Automatic updates for plugins and themes are a separate setting.
Are there any new REST API endpoints?
This release doesn't focus on adding new endpoints. The main REST API change is the introduction of Application Passwords, which enhances authentication for existing endpoints.
What happens if automatic update fails?
WordPress will send an email notification to the site administrator email address alerting them that an automatic update has failed and requires manual intervention.