WordPress 7.0 AI Features: How to Use Connectors and the AI Plugin

WordPress 7.0 “Armstrong” was released on May 20, 2026, and it is the first version of WordPress built with AI in mind. The headline WordPress 7.0 AI features are a new Connectors screen, an AI Client in core and an optional AI plugin that adds tools right inside the editor. In this guide we explain what each piece does, how to set it up step by step, and what you should check before turning AI on for your site.

What’s New: AI Foundations in WordPress 7.0

According to the official WordPress 7.0 release post, AI support in 7.0 is built on a few connected parts:

• AI Client in core: lets WordPress communicate with generative AI models.
• Abilities API: a standard way for WordPress and plugins to describe the actions they can perform.
• Client-Side Abilities: a JavaScript counterpart to the Abilities API, with a built-in UI and command palette.
• Connectors screen: a central hub in the dashboard for managing external services, including AI providers.

Importantly, all of this is opt-in. WordPress 7.0 does not send anything to an AI provider until you connect one yourself.

The Connectors Screen Explained

You will find the new screen under Settings > Connectors. The WordPress documentation says it ships with three featured connectors: Anthropic, Google and OpenAI. You can also add other connections.

The idea is simple. Instead of every plugin asking for its own API key in its own settings page, any plugin that needs an outside service can use this one standard system. You manage your keys in one place, and plugins reuse them.

According to the WordPress 7.0 Field Guide, the Connectors API currently supports two authentication methods, API key and none, and it is designed to support more connector types in future releases.

The Optional AI Plugin

The Connectors screen only manages connections. The actual editor tools come from the separate AI plugin on WordPress.org. Its plugin page lists a long and growing set of features, including:

• Title Generation: suggests post titles with one click.
• Excerpt Generation: writes short summaries of your posts.
• Alt Text Generation: suggests descriptive alt text for images.
• Image Generation and Editing: creates and edits images from the editor and the Media Library.
• Meta Description and Slug Generation: suggests SEO descriptions and permalinks, and works with various SEO plugins.
• Content Summarization, Resizing and Translation.
• Comment Moderation and Suggest Reply for the Comments screen.
• AI Request Logging and Connector Approvals, so admins can see requests and approve which plugins may use a connector.

One important limit: the AI plugin requires the Block Editor. The plugin page states that the Classic Editor plugin and other non-Block Editor experiences are not supported.

How to Set Up AI in WordPress 7.0 (Step by Step)

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1. Update to the latest 7.x release. Security releases matter. See our post on the WordPress 7.1.3 update for the latest fixes.
2. Install the AI plugin. Go to Plugins > Add New, search for “AI” by WordPress.org, then install and activate it.
3. Install a provider connector. Open Settings > Connectors and install the connector for the provider you want: Anthropic, Google or OpenAI.
4. Add your API key. Create a key in your provider’s account and paste it into the connector. Keys can also be supplied through environment variables or PHP constants.
5. Enable AI. Go to Settings > AI and turn on Enable AI at the top right.
6. Choose features. Switch on only the options you need, such as excerpt or alt text generation.
7. Use it in the editor. Open a post. Options such as generating a featured image or an excerpt now appear where they apply.

Practical Ways to Use WordPress AI Features

• Faster alt text: generate a first draft of alt text for every image, then edit it to be accurate. This helps both accessibility and image SEO.
• Better excerpts: excerpts appear on blog grids and archive pages. A clear 25–30 word summary improves clicks.
• Headline ideas: generate a few title options and pick, or combine, the strongest.
• Meta descriptions: use AI suggestions as a starting point, then add your real focus keyphrase.
• Comment moderation: let AI flag toxic or low-value comments for review.

Always review what AI writes. AI can get facts, versions and prices wrong, so a human check is essential before publishing.

Privacy, Cost and Security Tips

• API usage costs money. Providers usually bill per request or usage. Check pricing in your provider account and set spending limits.
• Your content is sent to the provider. Read the provider’s data policy, and do not send private customer data through AI tools.
• Use Connector Approvals. Require admin approval before plugins or themes can use your AI connectors.
• Protect your keys. The AI plugin includes an optional Key Encryption feature that encrypts provider keys at rest.
• Only install trusted plugins. A plugin with access to your AI connector can make paid requests. Scan any ZIP before installing, as shown in our malware scanning guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AI turned on automatically in WordPress 7.0?

No. You must install a connector, add credentials and enable the AI options you want.

Is the AI plugin free?

The plugin itself is free on WordPress.org, but the AI provider you connect may charge for API usage.

Does it work with the Classic Editor?

No. The AI plugin page says it requires the Block Editor.

Final Thoughts

The WordPress 7.0 AI features give every site a safe, standard way to use AI, with you in control of which provider, which features and which plugins get access. Start small: connect one provider, enable alt text and excerpt generation, and review every result. As more plugins adopt the Connectors and Abilities APIs, these tools will only get more useful.