How WordPress AI is Shaping the Future: A Guide to the AI Building Blocks for WordPress

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s becoming a core part of WordPress. In this post, we’ll explore the WordPress AI building blocks for WordPress, seeing how they come together to power intelligent, dynamic websites. We’ll use simple words to explain each component, so you can clearly understand how these pieces fit into your workflow—and why they matter for both creators and developers.

1. What are AI Building Blocks for WordPress?

WordPress recently introduced several modular components—known collectively as AI Building Blocks for WordPress—that form the foundation for AI features. The four main blocks are:

1. PHP AI Client SDK

2. Abilities API

3. MCP Adapter

4. AI Experiments Plugin

Each one plays a key role in enhancing WordPress’s capabilities using AI

2. PHP AI Client SDK: The Core Connector

The PHP AI Client SDK makes it easy for WordPress plugins to talk to different AI providers (like OpenAI, Google Gemini, or Claude). Instead of configuring separate integrations, developers can use a single clean interface:

$text = AiClient::prompt('Summarize this article').generateText();

This provider-agnostic approach helps developers focus on value, not infrastructure—and lets users choose their preferred AI model.

3. Abilities API: Turning Site Actions into AI Tools

WordPress sites can have many plugins and features—but AI needs a way to know what actions are available. That’s where the Abilities API comes in. It registers each ability (like “optimize SEO” or “generate alt text”) in a central place that AI agents can discover.

Here’s a simple example:

wp_register_ability('seo/analyze', [
  'label' => 'Analyze SEO',
  'execute_callback' => ['SEOPlugin','analyze'],
]);

With this, AI can automatically see that your site supports SEO analysis—no need for manual setup.

4. MCP Adapter: The AI Bridge

MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, and the MCP Adapter ensures WordPress speaks the same language as modern AI assistants. It exposes registered abilities in a consistent format so AI tools can call them directly. This allows smooth, bidirectional communication—whether WP acts as server or client.

5. AI Experiments Plugin: Where Theory Becomes Reality

Already available for testing, the AI Experiments Plugin mixes together the SDK, Abilities API, and MCP Adapter into a tangible experience. It gives users a playground to test AI capabilities: content generation, automation, workflow building, media editing, and more.

Think of it as a demonstration platform—showing what AI can do today and highlighting future possibilities, all inside WordPress.

6. Why “AI Building Blocks for WordPress” Matter

By offering modular building blocks, WordPress is taking a smart, future­proof approach:

• Modularity: Pick and use only the parts you need.
• Flexibility: Works with any AI provider, no lock-in.
• Scalability: Allows developers and agencies to build smarter tools.
• User-friendly: Content creators and site admins can access AI tools via simple UIs.

This approach ensures WordPress stays powerful and adaptable as AI evolves.

7. What’s Coming Next?

The WordPress AI Team is actively building out these core components:

• The AI Team meets every two weeks to plan and coordinate
• Next steps include deeper Site Admin use, real-time collaboration in Gutenberg, and AI-powered media tools.
• All of this aims toward making most AI features available by WordPress 7.0—and available now for experimentation via canonical plugins.

Takeaway

The WordPress AI building blocks for WordPress form a strong foundation for the future of intelligent, automated sites. From simplified AI integration to powerful automation pipelines, these tools will change the way we build and manage WordPress sites. Start exploring the AI Experiments Plugin today—and stay tuned for what’s next.

Developers & Agencies: Try the PHP AI Client SDK and register custom abilities.

Site Admins: Install the AI Experiments Plugin and start experimenting.

Contributors & Enthusiasts: Join #core-ai on WordPress Slack to shape the future.