Reviewing the “WordPress in 2025” report: A missed opportunity for transparency
The WordPress community has long valued openness, collaboration, and candid discussion. So, when a report titled “WordPress in 2025” appeared on the official WordPress.org site, many of us—myself included—hoped for a comprehensive look at the platform’s present and future. Instead, what we got feels more like a polished enterprise sales pitch than a genuine state-of-the-project analysis. Like Karol Krol from WPShout, I found myself disappointed by its selective focus and glaring omissions. Let’s unpack why this “official” report falls short and what it could have addressed to truly serve the WordPress ecosystem.
Promises unmet: What we expected vs. what we got
The title “WordPress in 2025” sets an expectation: a broad, forward-looking assessment of the platform as it stands today—February 23, 2025—and where it’s headed. Given its placement on WordPress.org, one might assume it reflects the collective voice of the community, addressing both triumphs and challenges. Instead, the report, authored by Noel Tock of Human Made, zeroes in on WordPress as an enterprise solution, touting its scalability, AI potential, and appeal to big brands.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with highlighting enterprise adoption—WordPress powers major players like The Times and Amnesty International, after all. But framing it as the story of WordPress in 2025 feels reductive. The report sidesteps critical topics that have shaped the platform’s journey this year, leaving readers with a sanitized, one-dimensional narrative. As Karol aptly noted, it’s less an industry report and more a brochure for enterprise decision-makers.
Omissions that speak louder than words
What’s missing from the report is as telling as what’s included. Here are some key areas it overlooks:
Community health and governance
2025 has been a pivotal year for WordPress, with ongoing discussions about project governance and community dynamics. Yet, the report doesn’t mention these topics. How are contributors faring? What’s the state of volunteer engagement amid a growing commercial ecosystem? These questions matter to the thousands of developers, designers, and users who keep WordPress alive—but they’re absent here.
Recent controversies
Let’s not pretend 2025 has been uneventful. The WordPress community has navigated its share of debates—think plugin ecosystem shifts, licensing disputes, or Automattic’s evolving role. These aren’t just footnotes; they influence trust and adoption. By ignoring them, the report presents an incomplete picture, undermining its credibility as an “official” document.
Small businesses and solo users
WordPress isn’t just for enterprises—it’s the backbone of countless small businesses, bloggers, and freelancers worldwide. The report’s laser focus on large-scale implementations dismisses this vital segment. What about their challenges in 2025, like rising hosting costs or adapting to new features? Their story deserves a voice too.
Technical evolution beyond buzzwords
The report leans heavily on trendy terms like “AI-driven content workflows” and “multi-agent ecosystems.” While AI integration is exciting, it’s vague without context. What about the practical evolution of the Block Editor, Full Site Editing adoption rates, or performance improvements? These nuts-and-bolts updates affect users daily, yet they’re glossed over in favour of enterprise-friendly buzz.
Why the PR label fits
Karol’s critique nails it: this feels like enterprise PR dressed up as an industry report. Published on WordPress.org, it carries an air of authority, but its scope aligns more with Human Made’s clientele than the broader community. Open-source platforms thrive on transparency—warts and all—but this document cherry-picks successes while dodging messier realities.
For enterprise buyers, it’s a compelling pitch: WordPress is mature, extensible, and ready for the C-suite. But for the rest of us—developers in Poland, small agency owners, or hobbyists—it’s a missed chance to reflect on where WordPress truly stands in 2025. A report titled “WordPress in the Enterprise Sector in 2025” on Human Made’s site would have been more honest and just as valuable.
What could have been: A fuller picture for 2025
A truly representative “WordPress in 2025” report could have balanced enterprise insights with community realities. Imagine these additions:
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- Adoption trends: Beyond big brands, how are small sites using WordPress? Are we seeing growth in Poland or other markets?
- Sustainability: How is the open-source model holding up as commercial interests grow?
- User sentiment: What do posts on X and forums reveal about satisfaction or frustration in 2025?
- Innovation roadmap: Beyond AI hype, what’s next for core features or security?
These topics would resonate with WPPoland.com readers—developers, business owners, and enthusiasts who want a holistic view rather than a sales deck.
A call for balance
The “WordPress in 2025” report isn’t without merit. It highlights real strengths, like open-source flexibility and enterprise traction, which are worth celebrating. However, its narrow lens and strategic omissions make it feel less like a community resource and more like a marketing tool. For a platform built on inclusivity, that’s a letdown.
At WPPoland.com, I’ll keep digging into the full WordPress story—enterprise wins, community challenges, and all. What do you think about the report? Let’s keep pushing for a WordPress that reflects all its users, not just the ones in boardrooms.
Od 2007 tworzy wielojęzykowe, responsywne witryny, sklepy ecommerce jako programista WooCommerce, modyfikując frontend jak i backend stron internetowych pod indywidualne potrzeby klienta.
Przyspiesza i optymalizuje kod witryny pod SEO.
Łata dziury w oprogramowaniu, zabezpiecza i naprawia serwisy www po włamaniach.
Na codzień migruje i dostosowuje strony klientów do WordPressa, szkoli, doradza i optymalizuje nakłady inwestycyjne na nowoczesne rozwiązania komunikacyjne w marketingu internetowym.
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