Title: WordPress 4.9.6 Beta Author: Jonathan Desrosiers Published: May 3, 2018 Last modified: May 9, 2018 --- [ ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/desrosj/) [Jonathan Desrosiers](https://profiles.wordpress.org/desrosj/) 10:37 pm _on_ May 3, 2018 Tags: [4.9.6 ( 22 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/4-9-6/) # WordPress 4.9.6 Beta The [beta package for 4.9.6](https://wordpress.org/wordpress-4.9.6-beta1.zip) has been released and is now available for testing. **Please help [test the beta version](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/testing/beta/)** to ensure the version works without error. This betaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in- house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. release contains 10 bugbug A bug is an error or unexpected result. Performance improvements, code optimization, and are considered enhancements, not defects. After feature freeze, only bugs are dealt with, with regressions (adverse changes from the previous version) being the highest priority. fixes and 34 enhancements/feature requests. Since the primary focus of this release was adding privacy and personal data tools in support of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the number of enhancements and features added in this minor releaseMinor Release A set of releases or versions having the same minor version number may be collectively referred to as .x , for example version 5.2.x to refer to versions 5.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.3, and all other versions in the 5.2 (five dot two) branch of that software. Minor Releases often make improvements to existing features and functionality. is much higher than usual. Even more than usual, we need testers to help polish this release: Shortly, version 4.9.6 will introduce the first round of tools that help WordPress site owners and admins meet the new requirements of user privacy regulations. The release candidaterelease candidate One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see [alpha (beta)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?ref=ppc.land&output_format=md#alpha-beta). is scheduled for [Tuesday, May 8th](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/04/21/4-9-6-schedule/), and the official release is scheduled for [Tuesday, May 15th](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/04/21/4-9-6-schedule/). ## Bug Fixes A full list of bugs fixed in 4.9.6 Beta [can be found on Trac](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/query?status=closed&type=defect+(bug)&milestone=4.9.6&col=id&col=summary&col=status&col=milestone&col=owner&col=type&col=priority&desc=1&order=type). ### Login and Registration * [#43917](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43917) – Set `nocache_headers` in `wp-activate.php` * [#43843](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43843) – Set `nocache_headers` in `wp-signup.php` ### Media * [#42919](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/42919) – Unable to upload files with the AAC extension ### Query * [#43375](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43375) – Incorrect `old_slug_redirect_post_id` filterFilter Filters are one of the two types of Hooks [https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks](https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks). They provide a way for functions to modify data of other functions. They are the counterpart to Actions. Unlike Actions, filters are meant to work in an isolated manner, and should never have side effects such as affecting global variables and output. docs ### Themes * [#43374](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43374) – PHPPHP The web scripting language in which WordPress is primarily architected. WordPress requires PHP 7.4 or higher 7.2 Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /wp-includes/theme.php on line 356 ## Features and Enhancements A full list of features and enhancements in 4.9.6 beta [can be found on Trac](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/query?status=closed&type=enhancement&type=feature+request&milestone=4.9.6&col=id&col=summary&col=status&col=milestone&col=owner&col=type&col=priority&desc=1&order=type). ### Administration * [#43820](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43820) – Add “Mine” filter for attachments similarly to posts and comments ### General * [#43583](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43583) – Introduce new PHP cross- version compat function `is_countable()` * [#43619](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43619) – Introduce new PHP cross- version compat function `is_iterable()` ### Plugins * [#43650](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43650) – Add Requires PHP Version to PluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. – View Details ### Posts, Post Types * [#43739](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43739) – Include ‘viewable’ attribute on Post Type resource for ‘edit’ context ### Privacy * [#43435](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43435) – Add settings screen for creating a privacy policy * [#43473](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43473) – Add default text for a privacy policy * [#43620](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43620) – Privacy Policy page design * [#43926](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43926) – Improve flow for privacy. php * [#43935](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43935) – Limit Privacy Policy screen to Super Admins in Multisitemultisite Used to describe a WordPress installation with a network of multiple blogs, grouped by sites. This installation type has shared users tables, and creates separate database tables for each blog (wp_posts becomes wp_0_posts). See also **network**, **blog**, **site** * [#43850](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43850) – Add privacy policy URLURL A specific web address of a website or web page on the Internet, such as a website’s URL www.wordpress.org template tags * [#43715](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43715) – Add Privacy Policy link to bundled theme footers * [#43721](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43721) – Adding links to imprint and privacy policy pages on WP login screens * [#43545](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43545) – Helper functions: Anonymizing data in a standardized way * [#43481](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43481) – Add tabs and placeholders to privacy tools page in wp-adminadmin (and super admin) * [#43547](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43547) – Add personal data from usermeta/ userdata to personal data export * [#43440](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43440) – Add personal data from comments to personal data export * [#43883](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43883) – Add a user’s attachments to the personal data export file * [#43551](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43551) – Add a means to package personal data into a file * [#43443](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43443) – Add a method for confirmation of requests for deleting or anonymizing of personal data * [#43637](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43637) – Add filters and ajax support for personal data erasure * [#43911](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43911) – Add mailto into Export/ Erasure tables * [#43442](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43442) – Add tools for anonymizing of commenters * [#43931](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43931) – Use associative array instead of numeric for exporters and erasers * [#43436](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43436) – Add opt-in for commenter cookies * [#43873](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43873) – Relocate ‘Privacy / Export / Erasure’ pages into more appropriate menus * [#43894](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43894) – Rename page / menu ‘ Privacy Tools’ to ‘Privacy Policy Page’ * [#43942](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43942) – Add pointers informing users of the new privacy pages ### Themes * [#43872](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/43872) – Add page template filter for all post types ### Users * [#42202](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/42202) – REST APIREST API The REST API is an acronym for the RESTful Application Program Interface (API) that uses HTTP requests to GET, PUT, POST and DELETE data. It is how the front end of an application (think “phone app” or “website”) can communicate with the data store (think “database” or “file system”) [https://developer.wordpress.org/rest-api/](https://developer.wordpress.org/rest-api/): no equivalent for `who=authors` to display potential authors [#4-9-6](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/4-9-6/) ### Share this: * [ Threads ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?share=threads) * [ Mastodon ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?share=mastodon) * [ Bluesky ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?share=bluesky) * [ X ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?share=x) * [ Facebook ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?share=facebook) * [ LinkedIn ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?share=linkedin) 1. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e59869edb314396a623a9322e138a16d5df06fb21daa4b48bcf7a66a7c7c7198? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 2. [atomicjack](https://profiles.wordpress.org/atomicjack/) 8:09 am _on_ May 4, 2018 3. A little concerned that the release date of 4.9.6, which aims to assist with GDPR, is being released days after GDPR comes into force. Any chance of pulling this forward, if the testing doesn’t bring any major blockers? 4. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/73c1045212929211deda7262005831319397c68d340a8c41d53633b3f7e7f129? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Andrew Ozz](https://profiles.wordpress.org/azaozz/) 9:02 am _on_ May 4, 2018 * Sorry that seemed to be an error. The RCrelease candidate One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see [alpha (beta)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?ref=ppc.land&output_format=md#alpha-beta). and release dates are in [https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/04/21/4-9-6-schedule/](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/04/21/4-9-6-schedule/). I fixed the above dates to match. - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b98cc60e2f12d4573ab0dca7442b45137144bac0ffb28dac83fe6a72bd6ba007? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Josepha](https://profiles.wordpress.org/chanthaboune/) 2:37 pm _on_ May 4, 2018 - Thanks for that! I was also wondering. 🙂 5. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/af4bb5092564de3865e7e14ffa426b904cbd16f780999437d7f083a8bf916291? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 6. [Alessandro Tesoro](https://profiles.wordpress.org/alessandrotesoro/) 10:35 am _on_ May 4, 2018 7. Is there any devs documentation for the GDPR stuff? Sorry if I missed it. 8. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/18f4f7ebdcd48383951a52a88f401bd6460ae74b626016010b1f0604cac90826? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Jonathan Desrosiers](https://profiles.wordpress.org/desrosj/) 1:50 pm _on_ May 4, 2018 * These will be coming out over the next few days leading up to the release candidaterelease candidate One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see [alpha (beta)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/03/wordpress-4-9-6-beta/?ref=ppc.land&output_format=md#alpha-beta).. Stay tuned! Comments are closed. # Post navigation [← Dev Chat Summary: May 2nd (4.9.6 week 5)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/02/dev-chat-summary-may-2nd-4-9-6-week-5/) [What’s new in Gutenberg? (May the 4th) →](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2018/05/04/whats-new-in-gutenberg-may-the-4th/)