Description:

When accessing the Site Information tab on a WordPress site with multiple installed plugins, the extension UI briefly flickers while plugin data is being fetched.

During the loading state, the extension initially displays an incorrect/partial plugin count and continuously flickers until the full plugin data is loaded.

In the attached screencast example:

• Initially shows: 4 plugins
• After data fetch completes: 18 plugins
• Flickering stops once all plugin data is loaded

This creates a noticeable UI/UX issue and may confuse users.

Browser + version: Chrome Version 148.0.7778.168 (Official Build) (arm64)

Operating system: macOS Tahoe Version 26.2

Extension version: https://github.com/WordPress/browser-extension/releases/tag/v0.8.3

URL where it happened: Localhosted site accessible via ngrok

Reproduction steps:

1. Use a WordPress site with more than 5–10 plugins installed.
2. Open WordPress Admin.
3. Click the WordPress Browser Extension icon.
4. Navigate to the Site Information tab.
5. Observe the plugin count and UI behavior during data loading.

What you expected to happen:

• UI should remain stable during loading
• A loading/skeleton state/spinner could be displayed until plugin data is fully available
• Plugin count should only appear once final data is fetched

What actually happened:

• UI flickers repeatedly while plugin information is loading
• Partial/incorrect plugin count is temporarily shown
• Flickering stops after full plugin data is fetched

Console errors / screenshots:

• Log is clear

Additional Notes

• This behavior appears more noticeable on sites with a larger number of installed plugins/extensions.
• Verification was also completed in incognito mode with other extesntins and without other extesntions.

WordPress Environment Details:

• WordPress: 7.0-RC5-62387
• PHP: 8.4.18
• Server: nginx/1.26.1
• Database: mysqli (Server: 8.0.35 / Client: mysqlnd 8.4.18)
• Browser: Chrome 148.0.0.0
• OS: macOS
• Theme: Twenty Twenty-Five 1.5
• MU Plugins: None activated
• Plugins:
  • AI 0.9.0
  • AI Provider for OpenAI 1.0.2
  • Force GLA Billing Status to Approved 1.0
  • Google for WooCommerce 3.6.2
  • WooCommerce 10.8.0-beta.2
  • WooCommerce Beta Tester 3.0.0
  • WPML Multilingual & Multicurrency for WooCommerce 5.5.4