Many websites built by Hiwire Creative use the The7 WordPress theme. The developers of The7 have recently changed their licensing model from a one-time purchase with lifetime updates to an annual subscription for Version 15 and future releases.

This change affects how websites receive theme updates and developer support going forward.

No. This licensing change was made by the developers of The7 and applies to all users of the theme worldwide.

Our goal is to help our clients navigate this change with as little disruption as possible.

If your website is currently running The7 Version 14, it will continue to operate normally.

However, Version 14 will no longer receive future theme updates, new features, compatibility improvements, or developer support.

For the short term, many websites will continue to operate without issue.

Over time, however, outdated themes can become incompatible with newer versions of WordPress, plugins, or server software. They may also miss important security improvements and bug fixes.

For this reason, we recommend keeping your website up to date whenever possible.

Your website will continue to function, but over time you may experience:

  • Compatibility issues with future WordPress updates
  • Plugin conflicts
  • Missing security and performance improvements
  • Higher maintenance costs if problems develop later

This doesn’t happen immediately, but the risk increases as the software ages.

No. We will evaluate each website individually before performing any major theme upgrade.

Although Version 15 includes new licensing requirements, we also want to ensure compatibility with your existing plugins, customizations, and WordPress installation. We’ll perform testing before applying major updates to help ensure your website continues to operate smoothly.

No.

We’ll continue managing your website just as we always have, including:

  • WordPress updates
  • Plugin updates
  • Theme licensing
  • Theme updates
  • Website backups
  • Security monitoring
  • Uptime monitoring

The only change is a modest adjustment to your Website Management Plan pricing at your next renewal to help offset the new annual licensing costs.

The7 now charges an annual licensing fee for continued updates.

Rather than passing the full cost directly to our clients, Hiwire Creative is absorbing a significant portion of the new recurring expense while continuing to provide the same proactive website maintenance and support.

You have three choices:

Option 1 — Stay on Version 14

Your website continues operating as it does today, but it will no longer receive future theme updates.

Option 2 — Purchase Your Own The7 License

You can purchase an annual subscription directly from The7 (currently approximately USD $50 per website per year).

You’ll be responsible for renewing the license and managing updates yourself.

Option 3 — Join a Hiwire Website Management Plan (Recommended)

We’ll handle everything for you, including:

  • Theme licensing
  • WordPress updates
  • Plugin updates
  • Theme updates
  • Website backups
  • Security monitoring
  • Uptime monitoring
  • Ongoing maintenance and support

Yes.

We’re happy to perform updates or maintenance on an hourly basis if you choose to manage your own license.

Please note that ongoing monitoring, backups, and proactive maintenance are only included with our Website Management Plans.

A website isn’t something that’s built once and never touched again.

WordPress, plugins, themes, browsers, hosting platforms, and security standards are constantly evolving. Regular maintenance helps ensure your website remains:

  • Secure
  • Compatible
  • Reliable
  • Fast
  • Available to your visitors

Just like maintaining a vehicle, small routine updates help prevent much larger problems later.

Yes.

If you’re considering a redesign or moving away from The7, we’d be happy to discuss your options.

Please note that changing themes typically requires redevelopment work and is usually more involved than simply updating the existing theme.

Website Management Plan pricing adjustments will take effect at your next renewal.

Clients who are not on a Website Management Plan can remain on Version 14 or choose to purchase a The7 subscription at any time.

Every website is different, and we’re happy to help you determine the best option for your business.

Please contact Hiwire Creative anytime if you’d like to discuss your website or Website Management Plan.