Behind WordPress.com—sparked legal action, debate, and concern across the ecosystem. But behind the controversy, WordPress continues to do what it does best: power more of the internet than any other platform.
If you're a developer, freelancer, agency owner, or site builder, there's still every reason to bet on WordPress. Here's why the platform remains strong—and why the future still looks bright.
A Platform That Still Powers the Web
WordPress hasn't just endured the past year—it's continued to grow. As of April 2025:
- It powers more than 43% of all websites globally
- Holds over 63% market share among CMS-powered sites
- Sees tens of thousands of new sites launched daily across use cases—from small business homepages to eCommerce and enterprise builds
Despite the leadership tensions, users continue to choose WordPress because of its unmatched versatility, massive plugin ecosystem, and the freedom it offers to build anything, anywhere.
The Legal Clarity That Strengthened the Ecosystem
The recent lawsuit between WP Engine and Automattic raised eyebrows—but it also delivered something valuable: legal clarity. A federal court ruling required that access to key WordPress.org services be restored to WP Engine. This included plugin and theme updates, developer credentials, and user logins.
The ruling set an important precedent: even in times of corporate tension, no single entity can block access to open-source infrastructure without due process. For developers, plugin authors, and hosting companies, this was a reassuring moment. It confirmed that the foundation of WordPress—community-driven, open, and accessible—remains protected by law.
Why Open Source Still Wins
At its core, WordPress thrives because it's open. The GPL license gives users full ownership of their sites, code, and content. That means no forced subscriptions, no locked features, and no proprietary traps.
You can host WordPress anywhere. You can customize it endlessly. You can fork it if you need to. That level of control is rare in today's web ecosystem—and it's one of the reasons WordPress is still the go-to choice for builders who want freedom over their stack.
Developers Keep Building
Even amid controversy, the plugin and theme ecosystem has remained vibrant. The official plugin directory now offers over 59,000 plugins, and premium offerings continue to grow. WP Engine, after regaining control of the Advanced Custom Fields plugin, recommitted to supporting high-quality tools for developers. Independent creators are thriving, and the recent legal wins ensure they can continue to do so without fear of unfair takedown.
Meanwhile, WordPress 6.8 shipped on time this spring, bringing performance and usability improvements. Agencies are still building, freelancers are still launching, and site owners continue to rely on WordPress to power their businesses. The platform's evolution hasn't paused—it's just maturing.
Looking Ahead
There may be fewer major releases in 2025, as discussions around release cadence evolve, but that doesn't mean stagnation. On the contrary, the shift toward stability and intentionality reflects WordPress's growth as a platform. With a clearer legal framework, stronger plugin protections, and a community that continues to ship and support new features, WordPress is as reliable—and empowering—as ever.
Final Word: Keep Building
Controversies will come and go. But WordPress—its code, its mission, and its global community—continues to offer developers and creators something rare: freedom, flexibility, and control.
If you're building your next site, plugin, or product, you can still trust the foundation beneath you. WordPress isn't going anywhere. And for those of us who value ownership and open platforms, that's something to celebrate.
The platform is steady. The future is open. Keep building.
