From 26a9dc4a6809e8cb620028048c6c1772847b39b7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Oguz Kocer <oguz.kocer@automattic.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:59:17 -0400
Subject: [PATCH 1/4] Let developers pick static release notes during beta
 promotion

Adds static "what's new" options (one for now, `serious`) chosen from a
second field in the beta-promotion block step. The picked option's notes are
set on the beta release, and the production promote carries them over.

Changes:
- `STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS` registry (Fastfile)
- Release-notes select field in the beta picker; `promote_to_beta` takes
  `release_notes_option` (read from Buildkite meta-data by promote-to-beta.sh)
- `static_release_notes` attaches the per-locale notes to the beta release
- `download_static_release_notes` lane pulls the translations from GlotPress
- English source files + seeded en-US metadata

Translations are seeded separately via GlotPress; until then promotions
attach the committed en-US note and Play falls back to the default language.
---
 .buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh        | 15 ++++-
 .../release_notes_static/serious.txt          |  1 +
 .../metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt |  1 +
 fastlane/Fastfile                             |  8 +++
 .../en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt    |  1 +
 fastlane/lanes/localization.rb                | 55 +++++++++++++++++
 fastlane/lanes/promote.rb                     | 60 +++++++++++++++++--
 .../en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt    |  1 +
 8 files changed, 133 insertions(+), 9 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 WordPress/jetpack_metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt
 create mode 100644 WordPress/metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt
 create mode 100644 fastlane/jetpack_metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt
 create mode 100644 fastlane/metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt

diff --git a/.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh b/.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh
index 967c59fca058..09756b565222 100755
--- a/.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh
+++ b/.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh
@@ -4,15 +4,24 @@ set -eu
 
 # Promotes the build chosen in the preceding block step to the beta track. No build — just gems + secrets.
 
-# `beta_build_to_promote` must stay in sync with PROMOTION_META_DATA_KEY in fastlane/lanes/promote.rb,
-# which is the key the gather lane writes the block-step select field under.
+# `beta_build_to_promote` must stay in sync with BETA_META_DATA_KEY in fastlane/lanes/promote.rb,
+# which is the key the gather lane writes the block-step build select field under.
 VERSION_CODE="$(buildkite-agent meta-data get "beta_build_to_promote" --default "")"
 
+# `beta_release_notes_option` must stay in sync with BETA_RELEASE_NOTES_META_DATA_KEY in the same file
+# (the block step's release-notes select field).
+RELEASE_NOTES_OPTION="$(buildkite-agent meta-data get "beta_release_notes_option" --default "")"
+
 if [[ -z "${VERSION_CODE}" ]]; then
   echo "+++ :x: No build was selected to promote."
   exit 1
 fi
 
+if [[ -z "${RELEASE_NOTES_OPTION}" ]]; then
+  echo "+++ :x: No release notes option was selected."
+  exit 1
+fi
+
 echo "--- :rubygems: Setting up Gems"
 install_gems
 
@@ -20,4 +29,4 @@ echo "--- :closed_lock_with_key: Installing Secrets"
 bundle exec fastlane run configure_apply
 
 echo "--- :rocket: Promoting ${VERSION_CODE} to the beta track"
-bundle exec fastlane promote_to_beta version_code:"${VERSION_CODE}"
+bundle exec fastlane promote_to_beta version_code:"${VERSION_CODE}" release_notes_option:"${RELEASE_NOTES_OPTION}"
diff --git a/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt b/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..8ef5aad0194e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+We're focused on making Jetpack more stable and dependable with every release. This update continues that work with ongoing improvements and fixes. Have feedback or need help? Reach us any time from Help & Support. Thank you for using Jetpack.
diff --git a/WordPress/metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt b/WordPress/metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..7d232109a07d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/WordPress/metadata/release_notes_static/serious.txt
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+We're focused on making WordPress more stable and dependable with every release. This update continues that work with ongoing improvements and fixes. Have feedback or need help? Reach us any time from Help & Support. Thank you for using WordPress.
diff --git a/fastlane/Fastfile b/fastlane/Fastfile
index 7bfb6eaa8ede..fb4c30920d10 100644
--- a/fastlane/Fastfile
+++ b/fastlane/Fastfile
@@ -39,6 +39,14 @@ UPLOAD_TO_PLAY_STORE_JSON_KEY = File.join(Dir.home, '.configure', 'wordpress-and
 # writes a track release (AAB upload or beta promotion) keeps it in the release's version codes.
 PLAY_STORE_VERSION_CODES_TO_RETAIN = [1440].freeze
 
+# The "what's new" options shown in the beta-promotion picker. The picked one is set on the beta
+# release and carried to production by the promote. `key` names the source file
+# (`release_notes_static/<key>.txt`) and the GlotPress string (`release_note_static_<key>`); `label`
+# is shown in the picker. Add entries to offer more options.
+STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS = [
+  { key: 'serious', label: 'Serious' }
+].freeze
+
 PROTOTYPE_BUILD_TYPE = 'Debug'
 
 PROJECT_ROOT_FOLDER = File.dirname(File.expand_path(__dir__))
diff --git a/fastlane/jetpack_metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt b/fastlane/jetpack_metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..8ef5aad0194e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/fastlane/jetpack_metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+We're focused on making Jetpack more stable and dependable with every release. This update continues that work with ongoing improvements and fixes. Have feedback or need help? Reach us any time from Help & Support. Thank you for using Jetpack.
diff --git a/fastlane/lanes/localization.rb b/fastlane/lanes/localization.rb
index 7528c1ef14a4..5c034a8bdfa3 100644
--- a/fastlane/lanes/localization.rb
+++ b/fastlane/lanes/localization.rb
@@ -148,6 +148,15 @@
       }
     end
 
+    # The beta-promotion picker's "what's new" options. Stable keys (no version suffix) so each is
+    # translated once, unlike the per-version `release_note_*` keys.
+    STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.each do |option|
+      files[:"release_note_static_#{option[:key]}"] = {
+        path: File.join(metadata_folder, 'release_notes_static', "#{option[:key]}.txt"),
+        comment: 'translators: Generic "what\'s new" text shown in the Play Store. Limit to 500 characters including spaces.'
+      }
+    end
+
     update_po_file_for_metadata_localization(
       po_path: File.join(metadata_folder, 'PlayStoreStrings.po'),
       sources: files,
@@ -267,6 +276,52 @@
     end
   end
 
+  # Downloads the translated "what's new" options from GlotPress into the per-locale
+  # `release_notes_static/<option>.txt` files. Not part of the release path; run it whenever an
+  # option's copy changes.
+  #
+  # @param [Symbol|String] app The app to download for. If nil, does both WordPress and Jetpack.
+  # @param [Boolean] skip_commit If true, skips the `git add`/`git commit`. Default false.
+  #
+  lane :download_static_release_notes do |app: nil, skip_commit: false|
+    apps = app.nil? ? %i[wordpress jetpack] : Array(app.to_s.downcase.to_sym)
+
+    apps.each do |current_app|
+      app_values = APP_SPECIFIC_VALUES[current_app]
+      source_dir = File.join(PROJECT_ROOT_FOLDER, 'WordPress', app_values[:metadata_dir], 'release_notes_static')
+      download_path = File.join(FASTLANE_FOLDER, app_values[:metadata_dir], 'android')
+      locales = { wordpress: WP_RELEASE_NOTES_LOCALES, jetpack: JP_RELEASE_NOTES_LOCALES }[current_app]
+
+      target_files = STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.to_h do |option|
+        [
+          "release_note_static_#{option[:key]}",
+          { desc: File.join('release_notes_static', "#{option[:key]}.txt"), max_size: 500 }
+        ]
+      end
+
+      UI.header("Downloading static release notes for #{app_values[:display_name]}")
+      gp_downloadmetadata(
+        project_url: app_values[:glotpress_metadata_project],
+        target_files: target_files,
+        locales: locales,
+        download_path: download_path
+      )
+
+      # en-US is the source language and isn't exported from GlotPress; copy each source verbatim.
+      en_us_dir = File.join(download_path, 'en-US', 'release_notes_static')
+      FileUtils.mkdir_p(en_us_dir)
+      STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.each do |option|
+        FileUtils.cp(File.join(source_dir, "#{option[:key]}.txt"), File.join(en_us_dir, "#{option[:key]}.txt"))
+      end
+
+      next if skip_commit
+
+      git_add(path: download_path)
+      message = "Update #{app_values[:display_name]} static release notes translations"
+      git_commit(path: download_path, message: message, allow_nothing_to_commit: true)
+    end
+  end
+
   ########################################################################
   # In-App Translations
   ########################################################################
diff --git a/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb b/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
index a81b7fba4255..57505bd99cc6 100644
--- a/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
+++ b/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
@@ -24,6 +24,10 @@
 # NOTE: `.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh` reads this same key as a bare string literal
 # (`meta-data get "beta_build_to_promote"`) — keep the two in sync.
 BETA_META_DATA_KEY = 'beta_build_to_promote'
+# The block step also writes the chosen release-note option here; the promote step reads it back.
+# NOTE: `.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh` reads this same key as a bare string literal
+# (`meta-data get "beta_release_notes_option"`) — keep the two in sync.
+BETA_RELEASE_NOTES_META_DATA_KEY = 'beta_release_notes_option'
 # Matched via the Buildkite API to find the block step's job and build its unblock URL.
 BETA_BLOCK_LABEL = ':android: Promote to beta'
 BETA_BLOCK_STEP_KEY = 'promote_to_beta_block'
@@ -95,7 +99,7 @@
   # @param [String] version_code The version code to promote, e.g. `269027172`.
   # @called_by CI (`.buildkite/commands/promote-to-beta.sh`)
   desc 'Promote an existing build to the beta track (WordPress + Jetpack)'
-  lane :promote_to_beta do |version_code: nil|
+  lane :promote_to_beta do |version_code: nil, release_notes_option: nil|
     # Set once the per-app result has been posted, so the rescue doesn't double-report it.
     result_posted = false
     ensure_promotion_on_trunk!
@@ -106,9 +110,11 @@
     UI.user_error!('`version_code` is required, e.g. `version_code:269027172`') if version_code.empty?
     UI.user_error!("`version_code` must be an integer, got #{version_code.inspect}") unless version_code.match?(/\A\d+\z/)
 
+    release_notes_option = validated_release_notes_option(release_notes_option)
+
     UI.important("Promoting version code #{version_code} to the beta track for WordPress and Jetpack")
 
-    results = distribute_to_beta(version_code: version_code)
+    results = distribute_to_beta(version_code: version_code, release_notes_option: release_notes_option)
 
     post_beta_result_to_slack(version_code: version_code, results: results)
     result_posted = true
@@ -342,13 +348,15 @@ def available_aab_version_codes(package_name:)
 
   # Promotes a version code to beta for each app, returning a per-app `{ ok:, error: }` result.
   # A failure for one app doesn't stop the other.
-  def distribute_to_beta(version_code:)
+  def distribute_to_beta(version_code:, release_notes_option:)
     %i[wordpress jetpack].to_h do |app|
       result =
         begin
           promote_version_code_to_beta(
+            app: app,
             package_name: APP_SPECIFIC_VALUES[app][:package_name],
-            version_code: version_code
+            version_code: version_code,
+            release_notes_option: release_notes_option
           )
           { ok: true }
         rescue StandardError => e
@@ -364,7 +372,7 @@ def distribute_to_beta(version_code:)
   # `upload_to_play_store` can't do this: it only builds a track release from binaries uploaded in
   # the same run, so a bare `version_code:` with `skip_upload_aab` commits an empty edit. We create
   # the release directly instead, mirroring supply's own `update_track`.
-  def promote_version_code_to_beta(package_name:, version_code:)
+  def promote_version_code_to_beta(app:, package_name:, version_code:, release_notes_option:)
     require 'supply'
     require 'supply/options'
 
@@ -373,6 +381,10 @@ def promote_version_code_to_beta(package_name:, version_code:)
       { json_key: UPLOAD_TO_PLAY_STORE_JSON_KEY, package_name: package_name, track: BETA_TRACK }
     )
 
+    # The picked release notes (needs supply loaded, above). nil when the option has no files.
+    release_notes = static_release_notes(app: app, option: release_notes_option)
+    release_notes = nil if release_notes.empty?
+
     with_play_edit_retries("Promoting #{version_code} to beta for #{package_name}") do
       client = Supply::Client.make_from_config
       client.begin_edit(package_name: package_name)
@@ -383,7 +395,9 @@ def promote_version_code_to_beta(package_name:, version_code:)
           # TODO: switch to 'completed' once the feature is ready to distribute to beta testers.
           status: 'draft',
           # Keep the pinned legacy code(s) on the track, same as the AAB-upload path.
-          version_codes: [Integer(version_code), *PLAY_STORE_VERSION_CODES_TO_RETAIN]
+          version_codes: [Integer(version_code), *PLAY_STORE_VERSION_CODES_TO_RETAIN],
+          # Carried to production automatically by the promote.
+          release_notes: release_notes
         )
         track = client.tracks(BETA_TRACK).first || AndroidPublisher::Track.new(track: BETA_TRACK)
         track.releases = [release]
@@ -398,6 +412,32 @@ def promote_version_code_to_beta(package_name:, version_code:)
     end
   end
 
+  # The picked option's notes as Play `LocalizedText`, one per locale that has a
+  # `release_notes_static/<option>.txt` file. Missing locales fall back to Play's default language.
+  def static_release_notes(app:, option:)
+    metadata_dir = File.join(FASTLANE_FOLDER, APP_SPECIFIC_VALUES[app][:metadata_dir], 'android')
+    notes = Dir.glob(File.join(metadata_dir, '*', 'release_notes_static', "#{option}.txt")).sort.filter_map do |path|
+      text = File.read(path).strip
+      next if text.empty?
+
+      # Path is <metadata_dir>/<locale>/release_notes_static/<option>.txt; the locale is two dirs up.
+      locale = File.basename(File.dirname(File.dirname(path)))
+      AndroidPublisher::LocalizedText.new(language: locale, text: text)
+    end
+    UI.important("No static release notes found for option #{option.inspect} (#{app}).") if notes.empty?
+    notes
+  end
+
+  # Validates the picked option against the registry, raising on anything unknown.
+  def validated_release_notes_option(option)
+    option = option.to_s.strip
+    valid = STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.map { |o| o[:key] }
+    UI.user_error!("`release_notes_option` is required, one of: #{valid.join(', ')}") if option.empty?
+    return option if valid.include?(option)
+
+    UI.user_error!("Unknown `release_notes_option` #{option.inspect}; expected one of: #{valid.join(', ')}")
+  end
+
   # Promotes a version code to production for each app, returning a per-app `{ ok:, error: }` result.
   # A failure for one app doesn't stop the other.
   def distribute_to_production(version_code:)
@@ -607,6 +647,14 @@ def write_beta_promotion_steps_file(candidates:)
               # Required, no default: an un-actioned unblock can't silently promote a build.
               'required' => true,
               'options' => options
+            },
+            {
+              'select' => 'Release notes',
+              'key' => BETA_RELEASE_NOTES_META_DATA_KEY,
+              'hint' => 'Which "what\'s new" text to publish. Carries through to production.',
+              # Required, no default: the notes are a deliberate choice, not a silent fallback.
+              'required' => true,
+              'options' => STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.map { |o| { 'label' => o[:label], 'value' => o[:key] } }
             }
           ]
         },
diff --git a/fastlane/metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt b/fastlane/metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..7d232109a07d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/fastlane/metadata/android/en-US/release_notes_static/serious.txt
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+We're focused on making WordPress more stable and dependable with every release. This update continues that work with ongoing improvements and fixes. Have feedback or need help? Reach us any time from Help & Support. Thank you for using WordPress.

From 0eaf65461bba37e6fd506aedd38ae878e51250bc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Oguz Kocer <oguz.kocer@automattic.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2026 01:13:44 -0400
Subject: [PATCH 2/4] Add the static release note string to the Play Store .po
 sources

Adds `release_note_static_serious` to both apps' `PlayStoreStrings.po` so
GlotPress can translate it. Added by hand rather than regenerating the `.po`,
which would also churn the per-version `release_note` key.
---
 WordPress/jetpack_metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po | 3 +++
 WordPress/metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po         | 3 +++
 2 files changed, 6 insertions(+)

diff --git a/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po b/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po
index 8ee92e1f8110..a4665fa475c7 100644
--- a/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po
+++ b/WordPress/jetpack_metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po
@@ -100,3 +100,6 @@ msgid ""
 "- Removed beta badge from Menus in My Site\n"
 msgstr ""
 
+msgctxt "release_note_static_serious"
+msgid "We're focused on making Jetpack more stable and dependable with every release. This update continues that work with ongoing improvements and fixes. Have feedback or need help? Reach us any time from Help & Support. Thank you for using Jetpack."
+msgstr ""
diff --git a/WordPress/metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po b/WordPress/metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po
index 378c25e71c49..d5fc2621ba29 100644
--- a/WordPress/metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po
+++ b/WordPress/metadata/PlayStoreStrings.po
@@ -154,3 +154,6 @@ msgid ""
 "- Removed beta badge from Menus in My Site\n"
 msgstr ""
 
+msgctxt "release_note_static_serious"
+msgid "We're focused on making WordPress more stable and dependable with every release. This update continues that work with ongoing improvements and fixes. Have feedback or need help? Reach us any time from Help & Support. Thank you for using WordPress."
+msgstr ""

From 708e1ae45c5f11b4973b1466fd253257452e349f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Oguz Kocer <oguz.kocer@automattic.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2026 01:27:39 -0400
Subject: [PATCH 3/4] Fix RuboCop offenses flagged by dangermattic

Lint/RedundantDirGlobSort: drop the redundant sort (Dir.glob is already
sorted). Style/NestedFileDirname: use File.dirname(path, 2).
---
 fastlane/lanes/promote.rb | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb b/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
index 57505bd99cc6..1a6b45701adc 100644
--- a/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
+++ b/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
@@ -416,12 +416,12 @@ def promote_version_code_to_beta(app:, package_name:, version_code:, release_not
   # `release_notes_static/<option>.txt` file. Missing locales fall back to Play's default language.
   def static_release_notes(app:, option:)
     metadata_dir = File.join(FASTLANE_FOLDER, APP_SPECIFIC_VALUES[app][:metadata_dir], 'android')
-    notes = Dir.glob(File.join(metadata_dir, '*', 'release_notes_static', "#{option}.txt")).sort.filter_map do |path|
+    notes = Dir.glob(File.join(metadata_dir, '*', 'release_notes_static', "#{option}.txt")).filter_map do |path|
       text = File.read(path).strip
       next if text.empty?
 
       # Path is <metadata_dir>/<locale>/release_notes_static/<option>.txt; the locale is two dirs up.
-      locale = File.basename(File.dirname(File.dirname(path)))
+      locale = File.basename(File.dirname(path, 2))
       AndroidPublisher::LocalizedText.new(language: locale, text: text)
     end
     UI.important("No static release notes found for option #{option.inspect} (#{app}).") if notes.empty?

From 767a58168cd2a12bd1908e8665e19932293d111a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Oguz Kocer <oguz.kocer@automattic.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2026 01:40:50 -0400
Subject: [PATCH 4/4] Extract beta block-step fields to satisfy
 Metrics/MethodLength

write_beta_promotion_steps_file exceeded the 30-line limit after the
release-notes field was added; move the fields into beta_promotion_block_fields.
---
 fastlane/lanes/promote.rb | 39 ++++++++++++++++++++++-----------------
 1 file changed, 22 insertions(+), 17 deletions(-)

diff --git a/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb b/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
index 1a6b45701adc..ee5ac3454bb4 100644
--- a/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
+++ b/fastlane/lanes/promote.rb
@@ -640,23 +640,7 @@ def write_beta_promotion_steps_file(candidates:)
           'prompt' => 'Choose the build to release to beta testers. This promotes the matching WordPress and Jetpack builds.',
           # Keep the build "running" (not green) while it waits for a human.
           'blocked_state' => 'running',
-          'fields' => [
-            {
-              'select' => 'Build to promote',
-              'key' => BETA_META_DATA_KEY,
-              # Required, no default: an un-actioned unblock can't silently promote a build.
-              'required' => true,
-              'options' => options
-            },
-            {
-              'select' => 'Release notes',
-              'key' => BETA_RELEASE_NOTES_META_DATA_KEY,
-              'hint' => 'Which "what\'s new" text to publish. Carries through to production.',
-              # Required, no default: the notes are a deliberate choice, not a silent fallback.
-              'required' => true,
-              'options' => STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.map { |o| { 'label' => o[:label], 'value' => o[:key] } }
-            }
-          ]
+          'fields' => beta_promotion_block_fields(options: options)
         },
         {
           'label' => ':rocket: Promote selected build to beta',
@@ -673,6 +657,27 @@ def write_beta_promotion_steps_file(candidates:)
     UI.message("Wrote promotion steps for #{candidates.count} build(s) to #{PROMOTION_STEPS_FILE}")
   end
 
+  # The block step's input fields: pick a build, and pick the release note to publish with it.
+  def beta_promotion_block_fields(options:)
+    [
+      {
+        'select' => 'Build to promote',
+        'key' => BETA_META_DATA_KEY,
+        # Required, no default: an un-actioned unblock can't silently promote a build.
+        'required' => true,
+        'options' => options
+      },
+      {
+        'select' => 'Release notes',
+        'key' => BETA_RELEASE_NOTES_META_DATA_KEY,
+        'hint' => 'Which "what\'s new" text to publish. Carries through to production.',
+        # Required, no default: the notes are a deliberate choice, not a silent fallback.
+        'required' => true,
+        'options' => STATIC_RELEASE_NOTE_OPTIONS.map { |o| { 'label' => o[:label], 'value' => o[:key] } }
+      }
+    ]
+  end
+
   # Writes the confirm → promote → finalize steps. There's no picker — the candidate is baked into the
   # commands; the block step only gates on a Yes/No confirmation.
   def write_production_release_steps_file(version_code:)