Overview of the jQuery UI Update in WordPress 7.1
WordPress 7.1 updates the bundled jQuery UI library to the latest stable release, version 1.14.2, upgrading from version 1.13.3. This maintenance update keeps WordPress dependencies aligned with upstream releases while making key adjustments to browser compatibility and legacy function support.
Version Transition: Moving from jQuery UI 1.13.3 to 1.14.2
The upgrade from jQuery UI 1.13.3 to 1.14.2 ensures that the scripts shipped with WordPress core benefit from recent upstream maintenance, stability improvements, and bug fixes. Developers relying on WordPress core scripts must be aware of changes introduced in this release, particularly regarding dropped browser compatibility and removed helper methods.
Dropping Legacy Browser Support: IE and Edge Legacy
In line with the official WordPress Browser Support Policy, jQuery UI 1.14.2 drops support for all versions of Internet Explorer and Edge Legacy. This shift allows the removal of legacy browser workarounds within the script library, simplifying internal logic and focusing on modern standards-compliant web browsers.
Backward Compatibility with jQuery.uiBackCompat
To support existing codebases, WordPress 7.1 explicitly sets jQuery.uiBackCompat to true. This setting ensures that custom scripts written for the jQuery 1.11 API continue to function as expected, preventing immediate breakage for code that relies on legacy jQuery API patterns.
Removed Functions in jQuery UI 1.14.2
Despite enabling backward compatibility flags, several specific internal and helper functions have been removed entirely in jQuery UI 1.14.2. Developers must check their custom scripts and plugins to ensure they do not rely on these deprecated elements:
$.fn._form$.ui.ie$.ui.safeActiveElement$.ui.safeBlur
Impact on WordPress Core and Developer Guidance
WordPress core itself does not utilize any of the removed functions ($.fn._form, $.ui.ie, $.ui.safeActiveElement, or $.ui.safeBlur). As a result, standard core administration workflows remain unaffected. However, plugin and theme developers who maintain custom JavaScript functionality should audit their repositories and update any instances referencing these removed methods.
Core Tickets, Changesets, and Review References
Developers seeking specific implementation details and commit histories can inspect changeset [62747] in the core repository, along with background ticket #62757 on the WordPress Trac system. The technical documentation and review for this release note were provided by core contributors @masteradhoc and @joedolson.
Frequently asked questions
What version of jQuery UI is included in WordPress 7.1?
WordPress 7.1 updates jQuery UI to version 1.14.2, upgrading from version 1.13.3.
Which browser engines are no longer supported in this update?
jQuery UI 1.14.2 drops support for all versions of Internet Explorer and Edge Legacy, aligning with the WordPress Browser Support Policy.
Which specific functions were removed in jQuery UI 1.14.2?
The removed functions are $.fn._form, $.ui.ie, $.ui.safeActiveElement, and $.ui.safeBlur.
How does WordPress 7.1 preserve backward compatibility for legacy scripts?
WordPress 7.1 sets jQuery.uiBackCompat to true, ensuring that code written for the jQuery 1.11 API continues to work as expected.
Is WordPress core impacted by the removed jQuery UI functions?
No, WordPress core does not use any of the removed functions, but third-party developers should audit custom plugins and themes.
Primary reference: Review the original announcement for exact release details. This article is an independent explanation and does not reproduce the source text.
