Custom ACF Meta Box on post type blocks loading of WP 7.0 visual revisions editor

[adambichler]

Describe the bug

When a custom meta box, implemented using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), is added to a specific post type, the system fails to load the modern, visual revisions editor introduced or improved in WordPress 7.0. Instead, the editor falls back to the older, non-visual revision interface. This behavior prevents users from utilizing the new revision features and workflow intended in WP 7.0.

To Reproduce

1. Ensure a custom post type is set up and a field group (ACF) is assigned to it.
2. Create or edit a post under this custom post type.
3. Save or edit the post, ensuring the custom ACF meta box is visible in the editor/sidebar.
4. Attempt to view or interact with the revisions panel/editor for that post.
5. Result: The system loads the legacy (old) revision editor, failing to utilize the new visual revision mode.
6. Verification: Remove the ACF field group entirely from this post type. Repeat Step 4. The new visual revision editor loads correctly.

Expected behavior

The new, visual revisions editor (designed for improved collaboration and history viewing in WordPress 7.0) should load successfully and be fully functional, even when a custom ACF meta box is present and properly configured on the post type.

Version Information:

• WordPress Version: 7.0
• PHP Version: 8.3.23
• ACF Version: ACF Pro 6.8.2
• Browser: Chrome on Mac OS

Additional context

This issue seems to be a direct conflict between the meta box structure and the modern, collaborative/visual editing environment that WordPress 7.0 is moving towards.

It is worth noting the official WordPress developer warning regarding this exact behavior:

"Classic meta boxes will disable collaboration mode". Source: Wordpress
(Source: WordPress 7.0 News and Updates)

[mattgrshaw]

Hi @adambichler

Thanks for the report. While ACF 6.8 added preliminary support for the new Visual Revisions editor, WordPress 7.0 disables the new revisions editor if any classic metaboxes are present on the page.

We're aware of this limitation for both the new revisions editor and real-time collaboration, and are working to support both of those features in full.

[adambichler]

Hello @mattgrshaw,

Thanks for your reply. Will this github issue be updated if the future is included Or do I need to Check the change log to see if the fix is included? Looking forward for a visual revision preview that i can show my clients!

Best regards, Adam