# Yoast SEO 28.7: AI-Based Metadata Updates and Removal of Obsolete Code

- Link: https://digiosveny.hu/en/yoast-seo-28-7-ai-alapu-metaadat-frissites-es-az-elavult-kod-eltavolitasa/
- Published: 2026-10-20T05:54:32+02:00
- Author: Márton

Yoast SEO 28.7 introduces changes in two areas: it expands the capabilities of
Yoast SEO Abilities for use with AI tools, and removes code that had already become obsolete
in previous versions. The first update makes it easier to update the metadata related to how posts appear in search results and on social media 
. The second update primarily affects those
who develop their own themes or plugins, or who run custom code alongside 
Yoast SEO.

If you’re only using Yoast SEO’s standard features, you likely won’t need to take any special action
. However, if you have a custom integration, it’s worth checking to see if your code references
any of the removed elements.

## Updating SEO Metadata from an AI Tool

Yoast SEO Abilities allows you to access
certain SEO data and perform actions using a compatible AI tool. Previous updates already supported 
checking SEO, readability, and language scores, as well as querying certain post data
and modifying technical settings. Version 28.7 further expands
this capability: from now on, the titles and descriptions that appear in search results and social media shares
can now be updated.

The `yoast-seo/update-post-seo-data` capability handles six additional fields:

 * **SEO title**, which may appear in search results.
 * **Meta description**, which can briefly summarize the page’s content in search
   results.
 * **Open Graph title and description**, which platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn may use
   in the preview of shared content.
 * **X title and description**, which are used for the share preview on X.

### Practical example: product name change

Suppose a business renames a product, but the associated SEO title
and social media preview still contain the previous name. A compatible AI tool
can query the post’s SEO data, allowing you to verify which 
fields need to be updated before making the change. You can then rewrite the outdated
titles and descriptions within the same workflow.

The AI tool assists in implementing these changes during this process. It’s still a good idea for a human to verify the accuracy of the content and
metadata. This is especially important
when the product name, offer, or page content appears in multiple places.

### What remains unchanged?

The “focus” keyword remains a read-only field. The AI tool cannot set
it for you; this is managed by the user. Access follows WordPress’s built-in permission
controls, so the available actions also depend on user permissions
.

To use Yoast SEO Abilities, you need a compatible AI tool and the necessary WordPress
integration. The new fields will be available after installing version 28.7
for users who have already set up Abilities. For initial setup, Yoast’s developer
documentation explains how to connect the LLM and the WordPress MCP Adapter, as well as
the list of abilities and their schemas.

## Annual Removal of Deprecated Code

Yoast SEO 28.7 removes some of the code marked as deprecated
in version 26.1 or earlier. Developers may have already received a warning
about the affected elements. Therefore, for sites using the plugin as intended, there will be no
visible changes. The risk primarily affects sites whose theme,
plugin, or custom code still relies on these elements.

### Removed or Modified Elements

 * `WPSEO_Frontend` class: It was marked as deprecated in Yoast SEO 14.0, and version 28.7
   will remove it.
 * `wpseo_opengraph` and `wpseo_twitter` functions: it is recommended to use `wpseo_frontend_presenters`
   instead. Code that references the old functions may still trigger a warning
  .
 * `wpseo_robots_array` filter: the filter must return an array. Returning a different type of
   value may cause a fatal error.
 * `WPSEO_Database_Proxy::upsert()` method: The `$where` and `$format` arguments
   are deprecated. According to the announcement, these will be removed
   during a future annual cleanup.

### What should you check before updating?

If you are using a custom theme or plugin, look for references to the classes,
operations, filters, and arguments listed above. Test the changes
in an isolated test environment before updating your live site. If you do not have access
to the code, ask the developer or site maintainer to check it.

The Yoast SEO announcement also includes a complete list of removed elements. When maintaining a custom
integration, use this list and the developer documentation as a guide;
do not assume that all old links will behave the same way.

## What does the update mean for website operators?

Release 28.7 offers both convenience enhancements and maintenance changes.
AI capabilities can simplify metadata updates within a supported workflow.
Removing deprecated code provides a cleaner foundation for further development of the plugin,
but it may also reveal custom integrations that rely on elements
that are no longer supported.

Before updating, it’s therefore worth clarifying two questions: Does the website use a Yoast
an SEO Abilities-compatible AI tool, and does it run any custom code that 
references the listed legacy elements? The first question concerns the use of the feature.
The second concerns compatibility and testing before the update.

## Digiösvény Technical Perspective

Plugin updates alone do not guarantee better search visibility. The 
metadata must accurately reflect the page’s content, and custom integrations
must work seamlessly with the installed software versions. It is therefore advisable to treat the update
as a controlled process: review the changes, test the affected
features, and then verify the site’s functionality after installation.

**Source:** the original announcement regarding Yoast SEO version 28.7. This article was prepared based on the
source material provided.