Ubuntu will use the latest version of the Linux kernel for new releases moving forward

Aug 13, 2024

Ubuntu will adopt the latest Linux kernel version for new releases, accepting even Release Candidate status kernels for updated features and hardware support.

Ubuntu will use the latest version of the Linux kernel for new releases moving forward

: Canonical announced that future Ubuntu releases will use the latest available Linux kernel version, even if it's still a Release Candidate. This policy change aims to provide users with the most recent features and hardware support. While this carries certain risks due to potential remaining bugs, Canonical commits to managing these risks with official support.

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has announced a significant policy change for future releases of the popular Linux OS. From now on, Ubuntu will integrate the latest available version of the Linux kernel at the time of each release, even if the kernel is still a Release Candidate with some unresolved bugs.

This change aims to offer users access to the latest features and hardware support that come with the newest Linux kernel versions. Brett Grandbois from Canonical emphasized the importance of maintaining a reliable operating system across multiple editions, including desktops, servers, and IoT devices.

Although this new strategy carries risks, as Release Candidate kernels are not finalized, Canonical plans to manage these risks by offering official support for the specific Linux release included. Unlike before, updating the kernel post-release won't be feasible due to the specific optimizations made by Canonical and its OEM partners.