Ubuntu is about to undergo a significant change in how it handles kernel selection for its future releases. Canonical has announced an “aggressive kernel version commitment policy” that will pivot Ubuntu’s approach, ensuring that the latest upstream kernel code is included in new Ubuntu releases even if that kernel is still in its Release Candidate (RC) phase. This is a major shift from Ubuntu’s current practice and could have far-reaching implications for users and developers alike.
What’s Changing? #
Traditionally, Ubuntu has included the most recent stable Linux kernel available at the time of its kernel freeze milestone, which typically occurs around two months before the final release. This approach was designed to ensure stability on release day but often left users with a slightly outdated kernel by the time Ubuntu hit the shelves.
Canonical’s new policy, however, promises to provide users with the absolute latest features and hardware support by shipping the most recent upstream Linux kernel, even if it hasn’t yet reached a formal stable release. This means that future Ubuntu releases will include kernels in RC status if they are the latest available at the time of the kernel freeze.
Why the Shift? #
This change is driven by a growing demand among users and hardware vendors for the latest features and support. As Canonical’s Brett Grandbois explains, the previous approach was proving “unpopular with consumers looking to adopt the latest features and hardware support as well as silicon vendors looking to align their Ubuntu support.” The new policy is intended to address these concerns, offering a more cutting-edge experience for Ubuntu users.
Practical Implications #
For example, Ubuntu 23.10 shipped with Linux 6.5 when it was released on October 12, but Linux 6.6 became stable just a few weeks later, on October 30. Under the new policy, Ubuntu 23.10 would have shipped with Linux 6.6, even if it was still an RC at the time of the kernel freeze.
This change does not mean that Ubuntu users will be stuck running an RC kernel for the duration of the support cycle. As soon as the kernel reaches stable status, Canonical will package and push out the stable version as a software update. However, if a major issue arises with an RC kernel that delays its stable release for several weeks, Canonical acknowledges that “the die is cast,” and it will have to address the problem as it comes.
The Balance Between Stability and Cutting-Edge #
Ubuntu has always balanced the need for stability with the desire to be on the cutting edge of technology. The new policy continues this balancing act, providing users with the latest kernel features while also maintaining the reliability that Ubuntu is known for.
It’s important to note that this change does not mean Ubuntu will be continuously updating the kernel throughout the release cycle, as System76 does with its Pop!_OS. The kernel version shipped at the time of release will remain the only supported version for that release (barring the Hardware Enablement [HWE] kernels in LTS point releases).
What This Means for Users #
Users of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, for example, stand to benefit significantly from this policy shift. With HWE updates, newer kernels from interim releases will be available to LTS users, potentially offering them even more up-to-date hardware support and features than before. This is particularly beneficial for users running the latest hardware, where support is often only available in the most recent kernels.
Conclusion #
Canonical’s new kernel selection policy marks a bold step forward for Ubuntu, aligning the distribution more closely with the latest developments in the Linux kernel. While this change introduces some risks, it also offers significant rewards for users who demand the latest features and hardware support. As Ubuntu continues to evolve, this policy will likely play a key role in ensuring that the distribution remains a top choice for both desktop and server environments.
