diff --git a/plugins/AGENTS.md b/plugins/AGENTS.md
index 92522fa0b..4a3ca693b 100644
--- a/plugins/AGENTS.md
+++ b/plugins/AGENTS.md
@@ -93,4 +93,5 @@ Direct child DOX files:
| [_text_editor/AGENTS.md](_text_editor/AGENTS.md) | Native text read, write, and patch tool. |
| [_time_travel/AGENTS.md](_time_travel/AGENTS.md) | Workspace history, diff, travel, snapshot, and revert flows. |
| [_whatsapp_integration/AGENTS.md](_whatsapp_integration/AGENTS.md) | WhatsApp Baileys bridge integration. |
+| [_whats_new/AGENTS.md](_whats_new/AGENTS.md) | Version-gated What's New showcase modal and startup trigger. |
| [_whisper_stt/AGENTS.md](_whisper_stt/AGENTS.md) | Whisper speech-to-text integration. |
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/AGENTS.md b/plugins/_whats_new/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..78dbf755d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/_whats_new/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+# What's New Plugin DOX
+
+## Purpose
+
+- Own the built-in version-gated "What's New" modal for showcasing new Agent Zero features after updates.
+
+## Ownership
+
+- `plugin.yaml` owns metadata and always-enabled status.
+- `webui/` owns the modal markup, Alpine store, copy, and showcase media assets.
+- `extensions/webui/initFw_end/` owns the startup trigger that opens the modal when the installed version is newer than the locally seen version.
+
+## Local Contracts
+
+- Do not add a "Don't show this again" control; dismissal records the current installed version as seen.
+- Keep the modal copy concise, left-aligned, and paired with feature media.
+- Keep modal actions in the pinned footer using the shared Agent Zero button classes.
+- Store the seen-version marker in browser-local state only; do not persist this under `usr/`.
+
+## Work Guidance
+
+- Add showcase assets under `webui/assets/` and reference them through `/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/...`.
+- Keep the startup extension idempotent and tolerant of missing or non-comparable version labels.
+- Prefer release-line comparisons over development commit-distance comparisons so local development builds do not reopen the modal on every commit.
+
+## Verification
+
+- Run `pytest tests/test_whats_new_static.py` after changing the modal, trigger, or assets.
+- Smoke-test startup display, slide navigation, dismissal, and same-version reload behavior in the WebUI.
+
+## Child DOX Index
+
+No child DOX files.
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/extensions/webui/initFw_end/whats-new.js b/plugins/_whats_new/extensions/webui/initFw_end/whats-new.js
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9e870c4d9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/_whats_new/extensions/webui/initFw_end/whats-new.js
@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+import { getModalStack, isModalOpen, openModal } from "/js/modals.js";
+
+const MODAL_PATH = "/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new.html";
+const STORAGE_KEY = "a0_whats_new_seen_version";
+const STARTUP_DELAY_MS = 1200;
+const RETRY_DELAY_MS = 900;
+const MAX_BUSY_RETRIES = 20;
+
+let initialized = false;
+let busyRetries = 0;
+let openedForVersion = null;
+
+function cleanPath(path = "") {
+ return String(path || "").replace(/^\/+/, "");
+}
+
+function parseVersion(value) {
+ const raw = String(value || "").trim();
+ if (!raw || raw.toLowerCase() === "unknown") return null;
+
+ const match = /(?:^|[\s(])v?(\d+)\.(\d+)(?:\.(\d+))?(?:\+(\d+))?/.exec(raw);
+ if (!match) return null;
+
+ return {
+ raw,
+ parts: [
+ Number.parseInt(match[1], 10),
+ Number.parseInt(match[2], 10),
+ Number.parseInt(match[3] || "0", 10),
+ ],
+ };
+}
+
+function compareVersions(left, right) {
+ if (!left || !right) return null;
+ for (let index = 0; index < left.parts.length; index += 1) {
+ if (left.parts[index] !== right.parts[index]) {
+ return left.parts[index] - right.parts[index];
+ }
+ }
+ return 0;
+}
+
+function currentVersion() {
+ return parseVersion(globalThis.gitinfo?.version || "");
+}
+
+function storedSeenVersion() {
+ try {
+ const rawValue = globalThis.localStorage?.getItem(STORAGE_KEY) || "";
+ if (!rawValue) return null;
+
+ try {
+ const parsed = JSON.parse(rawValue);
+ return parseVersion(parsed?.version || parsed?.raw || rawValue);
+ } catch {
+ return parseVersion(rawValue);
+ }
+ } catch {
+ return null;
+ }
+}
+
+function shouldShowWhatsNew(version) {
+ if (!version) return false;
+
+ const seen = storedSeenVersion();
+ if (!seen) return true;
+
+ const comparison = compareVersions(version, seen);
+ return comparison !== null && comparison > 0;
+}
+
+function markVersionSeen(version = currentVersion()) {
+ if (!version) return;
+ try {
+ globalThis.localStorage?.setItem(
+ STORAGE_KEY,
+ JSON.stringify({
+ version: version.raw,
+ seenAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+ }),
+ );
+ } catch {
+ // localStorage may be unavailable in private or locked-down browser modes.
+ }
+}
+
+function anotherModalIsOpen() {
+ return getModalStack().length > 0 || Boolean(document.querySelector(".modal.show"));
+}
+
+function scheduleRetry() {
+ if (busyRetries >= MAX_BUSY_RETRIES) return;
+ busyRetries += 1;
+ window.setTimeout(() => {
+ maybeOpenWhatsNew();
+ }, RETRY_DELAY_MS);
+}
+
+function maybeOpenWhatsNew() {
+ const version = currentVersion();
+ if (!shouldShowWhatsNew(version)) return;
+
+ if (isModalOpen(MODAL_PATH)) return;
+ if (anotherModalIsOpen()) {
+ scheduleRetry();
+ return;
+ }
+
+ openedForVersion = version;
+ void openModal(MODAL_PATH);
+}
+
+function handleModalClosed(event) {
+ const closedPath = event?.detail?.modalPath || "";
+ if (cleanPath(closedPath) === cleanPath(MODAL_PATH)) {
+ markVersionSeen(openedForVersion || currentVersion());
+ openedForVersion = null;
+ return;
+ }
+
+ window.setTimeout(() => {
+ maybeOpenWhatsNew();
+ }, RETRY_DELAY_MS);
+}
+
+export default function initWhatsNew() {
+ if (initialized) return;
+ initialized = true;
+
+ document.addEventListener("modal-closed", handleModalClosed);
+
+ window.setTimeout(() => {
+ maybeOpenWhatsNew();
+ }, STARTUP_DELAY_MS);
+}
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/plugin.yaml b/plugins/_whats_new/plugin.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b60286bd8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/_whats_new/plugin.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+name: _whats_new
+title: What's New
+description: Built-in version-gated showcase modal for new Agent Zero features.
+version: 1.0.0
+settings_sections: []
+always_enabled: true
+per_project_config: false
+per_agent_config: false
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/mcp-servers.png b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/mcp-servers.png
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9d651ad92
Binary files /dev/null and b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/mcp-servers.png differ
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/parallel-subs.webm b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/parallel-subs.webm
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2c418c1c1
Binary files /dev/null and b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/parallel-subs.webm differ
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/skills-scanner.png b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/skills-scanner.png
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f2a8ba2cc
Binary files /dev/null and b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets/skills-scanner.png differ
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new-store.js b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new-store.js
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..6de8bb40d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new-store.js
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+import { createStore } from "/js/AlpineStore.js";
+import { closeModal } from "/js/modals.js";
+
+const ASSET_BASE = "/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets";
+
+const slides = [
+ {
+ id: "parallel-tools",
+ eyebrow: "Parallel execution",
+ title: "Parallel tool calls and subagents",
+ summary:
+ "Agent Zero can now split work across parallel tool and subagents calls and combine concurrent steps results.",
+ mediaType: "video",
+ media: `${ASSET_BASE}/parallel-subs.webm`,
+ mediaLabel:
+ "Four Agent Zero subagents working in parallel while the parent agent coordinates the result.",
+ bullets: [
+ "Launch coordinated subagents to explore separate paths at the same time.",
+ "Run mixed batches together: search queries, code execution, file reads, writes, and more.",
+ "Merge the results back into one answer without waiting through every call in sequence.",
+ ],
+ },
+ {
+ id: "mcp-configuration",
+ eyebrow: "MCP configuration",
+ title: "Redesigned MCP configuration UI",
+ summary:
+ "Global Settings and Projects now share a cleaner MCP setup flow for command and Remote URL transports.",
+ mediaType: "image",
+ media: `${ASSET_BASE}/mcp-servers.png`,
+ mediaLabel:
+ "The redesigned MCP servers screen showing server cards, transport controls, and raw JSON mode.",
+ bullets: [
+ "Configure npx, uvx, or custom command servers with clearer fields.",
+ "Connect Remote URL transports from the same accessible editor.",
+ "Switch to Raw JSON when you want to paste or move configurations between clients.",
+ ],
+ },
+ {
+ id: "skills-scanner",
+ eyebrow: "Agent security",
+ title: "Skills Scanner powered by Snyk Agent Scan",
+ summary:
+ "Scan your agent skills and MCP-connected surfaces for prompt injections and vulnerabilities.",
+ mediaType: "image",
+ media: `${ASSET_BASE}/skills-scanner.png`,
+ mediaLabel:
+ "The Skills Scanner screen showing Snyk Agent Scan controls and scan guidance.",
+ bullets: [
+ "Review skills with the same scanning flow you already use for plugins.",
+ "Find prompt-injection risks and vulnerable instructions before they reach runtime.",
+ "Catch risky skill instructions early, before they become part of an agent workflow.",
+ ],
+ },
+];
+
+export const store = createStore("whatsNew", {
+ slides,
+ currentIndex: 0,
+
+ onOpen() {
+ this.currentIndex = 0;
+ },
+
+ cleanup() {},
+
+ get currentSlide() {
+ return this.slides[this.currentIndex] || this.slides[0];
+ },
+
+ isFirst() {
+ return this.currentIndex <= 0;
+ },
+
+ isLast() {
+ return this.currentIndex >= this.slides.length - 1;
+ },
+
+ progressLabel() {
+ return `${this.currentIndex + 1} of ${this.slides.length}`;
+ },
+
+ dotLabel(index) {
+ const slide = this.slides[index];
+ return slide ? `Show ${slide.title}` : `Show item ${index + 1}`;
+ },
+
+ goTo(index) {
+ const nextIndex = Number(index);
+ if (!Number.isInteger(nextIndex)) return;
+ if (nextIndex < 0 || nextIndex >= this.slides.length) return;
+ this.currentIndex = nextIndex;
+ },
+
+ previous() {
+ if (!this.isFirst()) this.currentIndex -= 1;
+ },
+
+ next() {
+ if (this.isLast()) {
+ this.finish();
+ return;
+ }
+ this.currentIndex += 1;
+ },
+
+ finish() {
+ closeModal();
+ },
+
+ skip() {
+ closeModal();
+ },
+});
diff --git a/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new.html b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new.html
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1195f626b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new.html
@@ -0,0 +1,259 @@
+
+
+ What's New in Agent Zero
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
diff --git a/tests/test_whats_new_static.py b/tests/test_whats_new_static.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9ab73e469
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_whats_new_static.py
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+PROJECT_ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
+
+
+def test_whats_new_modal_uses_showcase_assets_and_branded_footer():
+ html = (PROJECT_ROOT / "plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new.html").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+ store = (PROJECT_ROOT / "plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new-store.js").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+
+ assert "What's New in Agent Zero" in html
+ assert "data-modal-footer" in html
+ assert "btn btn-ok" in html
+ assert "btn btn-field" in html
+ assert "/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new-store.js" in html
+ assert "/plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets" in store
+ assert "Don't show this again" not in html + store
+
+ for asset in ["parallel-subs.webm", "mcp-servers.png", "skills-scanner.png"]:
+ assert asset in html + store
+ assert (PROJECT_ROOT / "plugins/_whats_new/webui/assets" / asset).exists()
+
+ assert "Parallel tool calls and subagents" in store
+ assert (
+ "Agent Zero can now split work across parallel tool and subagents calls and combine concurrent steps results."
+ in store
+ )
+ assert "Redesigned MCP configuration UI" in store
+ assert "Skills Scanner powered by Snyk Agent Scan" in store
+ assert "Remote URL transports" in store
+ assert "Raw JSON" in store
+ assert "prompt-injection risks" in store
+ assert "Catch risky skill instructions early" in store
+ assert "Include MCP servers in the same pass" not in store
+
+
+def test_whats_new_startup_trigger_is_version_gated():
+ content = (
+ PROJECT_ROOT / "plugins/_whats_new/extensions/webui/initFw_end/whats-new.js"
+ ).read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+
+ assert "globalThis.gitinfo?.version" in content
+ assert "a0_whats_new_seen_version" in content
+ assert "/plugins/_whats_new/webui/whats-new.html" in content
+ assert "compareVersions" in content
+ assert "shouldShowWhatsNew" in content
+ assert "modal-closed" in content
+ assert "markVersionSeen" in content
+ assert "Don't show this again" not in content
+
+
+def test_whats_new_plugin_manifest_is_always_enabled():
+ manifest = (PROJECT_ROOT / "plugins/_whats_new/plugin.yaml").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+
+ assert "name: _whats_new" in manifest
+ assert "always_enabled: true" in manifest
+ assert "settings_sections: []" in manifest