Ghost Release: 5.103.0

TL;DR

Ghost v5.103.0 brings significant improvements to the ActivityPub integration, enhances comment functionality, fixes UI issues in newsletters for different languages, and removes the AMP UI as part of its deprecation plan. The release includes performance optimizations for data loading, better error handling in the publish flow, and improved WordPress content compatibility. These changes primarily benefit site administrators, developers, and content creators by providing a more robust and user-friendly publishing experience.

Highlight of the Release

• Enhanced ActivityPub integration with infinite scroll and performance improvements
• Fixed newsletter feedback buttons layout in different languages
• Removed AMP UI as part of deprecation plan (functionality still available via API/DB)
• Improved comments system with better handling of hidden/deleted replies
• Added support for WordPress formatting in notes
• Fixed email error handling in the publish flow

Migration Guide

AMP UI Removal

The AMP UI has been removed as part of Ghost's plan to fully deprecate AMP in Ghost 6.0. While the UI is no longer available, all the underlying functionality remains intact. If you need to continue using AMP:

• You can still enable AMP via the API or directly in the settings table in the database
• No immediate action is required if you already have AMP enabled
• New sites will not be able to enable AMP through the UI

Database Migration Notes

This release includes database migrations that:

1. Truncate the column length in the redirects table
2. Add an index to improve redirects lookup performance

For SQLite users, these migrations create a temporary table with the new column data structure. This is a standard approach since SQLite doesn't support direct column alterations.

Upgrade Recommendations

This release is recommended for all Ghost users, especially those who:

• Use the ActivityPub integration
• Send newsletters in multiple languages
• Rely heavily on the comments system
• Experience performance issues with redirects after sending newsletters to large audiences

The upgrade process should be straightforward with no breaking changes. The removal of the AMP UI doesn't affect existing functionality for sites that already have AMP enabled.

For self-hosters, follow the standard upgrade process. If you're using SQLite, be aware that the database migrations might take slightly longer due to the need to create temporary tables for the redirects table modifications.

Bug Fixes

UI and Display Fixes

• Fixed feedback buttons' layout breaking in different languages in newsletters
• Fixed WordPress article feature image not showing (now properly renders image objects)
• Changed blockquote border color to accent color for better visibility in dark mode
• Updated drawer so you can interact with the page behind it

Comments System Fixes

• Fixed comments APIs incorrectly returning hidden/deleted replies
• Ensured proper handling of in-reply-to snippets when comments are hidden or removed

Other Bug Fixes

• Fixed email error flash on the publish flow (now correctly stays on error state)
• Added undefined check for user in session service
• Added index for redirects lookup to improve performance with large recipient pools

New Features

ActivityPub Improvements

• Added infinite scroll to profile page collections in admin-x-activitypub
• Refactored data loading to be more performant using tanstack query for caching
• Improved profile posts retrieval using dedicated endpoints
• Enhanced article modal with ability to interact with the page behind it

Comments Enhancements

• Ensured replies remain visible when parent comment is being edited
• Changed in-reply-to snippet to show [hidden/removed] for better moderation clarity
• Added support for WordPress formatting in notes with minimal styling

Other New Features

• Added config documentation link to verify screen for self-hosters who don't receive emails
• Added design system as a dependency to Admin-X Settings checks
• Added test for re-authentication flow

Security Updates

No specific security fixes were mentioned in this release.

Performance Improvements

ActivityPub Performance Enhancements

• Refactored data loading in admin-x-activitypub to be more performant
• Utilized tanstack query for suggested profiles instead of custom hooks for better caching
• Refactored how activity data is keyed to make caching more deterministic
• Improved how data is loaded for Inbox/Feed view to prevent unnecessary query clearing

Database Performance

• Added index for redirects lookup to improve performance, particularly important when handling traffic after sending newsletters to large recipient pools
• Implemented column length truncation to optimize the redirects table

Development Improvements

• Removed code disabling Bluebird debug (no longer needed as direct dependencies were removed)
• Updated webpack dependency to v5.97.0

Impact Summary

Ghost v5.103.0 delivers significant improvements to the ActivityPub integration, enhancing performance and user experience with infinite scrolling and better data loading. The comments system receives important fixes for handling hidden/deleted replies and maintaining visibility during editing. Newsletter creators benefit from fixed feedback button layouts in different languages, while WordPress content compatibility is improved.

The removal of the AMP UI signals Ghost's continued move toward deprecating AMP completely in version 6.0, though functionality remains available via API/DB for existing users. Performance optimizations, particularly the new index for redirects lookup, should improve site responsiveness especially after newsletter sends to large audiences.

For developers, the refactoring of data loading in admin-x-activitypub and the addition of the design system as a dependency to Admin-X Settings checks provide a more robust development environment. Self-hosters gain better troubleshooting tools with the addition of config documentation in the verify screen.

Overall, this release focuses on enhancing user experience, fixing UI issues, improving performance, and preparing users for the eventual removal of AMP in Ghost 6.0.

Full Release Notes