This monthly digest covers essential WordPress developments, including Ollie Pro, the Create Block Theme plugin, WordPress 6.7, and community updates from the WordPress ecosystem.
Ollie Pro
Ollie Pro is a premium block theme featuring an enhanced Pattern Browser that provides quick access to professionally designed patterns. The theme emphasizes customization capabilities with an intuitive interface suitable for users of varying technical expertise.
Co-founder Mike McAlister announced the theme achieved “$10,000 in subscriptions within the first month,” attributing success to community engagement, transparent communication, and user feedback prioritization. The theme combines design flexibility with ease of use, positioning itself as a complete design solution.
Create Block Theme
For budget-conscious developers, the free Create Block Theme plugin offers an alternative approach. This plugin enables users to create, edit, and manage themes directly from the WordPress dashboard, with capabilities to generate new themes, clone existing ones, and export customizations. Pairing a free starter theme with this plugin creates a perfect blend of creativity and practicality.
WordPress 6.7
WordPress 6.7 is scheduled for November 12, 2024, following the July 16 release of WordPress 6.6. The upcoming version features a streamlined interface, improved navigation, and new block patterns alongside performance optimizations for faster load times. The default theme, Twenty Twenty-Five, will be built as a block theme emphasizing minimal CSS and style configuration through theme.json.
Community Highlights
WP Engine acquired NitroPack to integrate advanced speed-optimization technologies with its platform, aiming to enhance site performance and user experiences. Multiple WordCamp events are scheduled across cities including Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cebu, Lira, and Bogota.