Product Gallery (beta) block: Roadmap update

Starting with WooCommerce 9.8, we will introduce substantial updates to the Product Gallery (beta) block, currently only available as part of the Single Product Template in block based themes. This block, released as a beta feature roughly a year ago, has been a great source of feedback for us. We recognize the need for further refinement before it’s ready for general availability. Our focus is on simplifying the block’s settings, restructuring its functionality, and delivering a better mobile experience.

Why are we making these changes?

We’ve learned that the current version of the Product Gallery block is complex and lacks polish, especially on mobile devices. To ensure this block aligns with the quality you expect from WooCommerce, we’re planning a series of improvements. The goal is to make the block easier to use and more versatile across different devices.

What’s changing?

Here are some of the updates we’re introducing:

1. Revamped thumbnails: all thumbnails will now be displayed consistently, ensuring a complete visual representation of the gallery.
2. Pager replacement: the existing pager functionality will be replaced with a simplified “current image / total images” indicator for improved clarity and usability.
3. Mobile optimization: we’re prioritizing a seamless mobile experience, making the gallery more user-friendly and responsive on smaller screens.
4. Display all images by default: Currently, the gallery displays only a subset of images, limited by the number of thumbnails. We plan to display all images by default.

How do I know if this affects me?

• Navigate to the Site Editor of the store you are working on 
• Navigate to Templates > WooCommerce > Single Product Template
• Check to see if the Product Gallery (beta) block is active on your template

What does this mean for you?

These updates come with some significant changes that may affect how the block functions in your stores:

• Breaking changes: due to the revamped structure and settings, the block’s feature set will change significantly. This may require adjustments in how you use the block.
• Frontend compatibility: if you’re already using the Product Gallery (beta) block, we’ll ensure it continues to function on the frontend. However, you may notice changes in available features.
• Editor adjustments: in some cases, you may need to re-add the block in the editor to resolve compatibility issues caused by the updates.

Preparing for the Changes

To minimize disruption, we recommend reviewing your usage of the Product Gallery (beta) block and planning for potential adjustments ahead of the WooCommerce 9.8 (and further) releases. If you’re using custom styles or extending the block’s functionality, consider testing your changes in a staging environment as soon as the updated block becomes available.

Looking Ahead

This update is the first step in a broader effort to refine and enhance the Product Gallery block. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to iterate and improve.

Thank you for your continued feedback and support—it’s invaluable in shaping the future of WooCommerce blocks. If you have any questions or concerns, please share them in the comments or in our dedicated GitHub discussion, Shaping the Future of the Product Gallery (beta) block.

We’ll share additional details about these changes and provide documentation to assist with migration as we approach the WooCommerce 9.8 release. Keep an eye on our developer blog for further announcements!