Canonical is staying committed to keeping Ubuntu at the cutting edge of Linux development. Ubuntu 24.10, scheduled for release in October, will include the latest Linux 6.11 kernel. This update ensures that users get the newest features and improvements.
Preparation for the Latest Kernel #
Canonical’s kernel engineers are working hard to prepare Linux 6.11 for Ubuntu 24.10. With the kernel feature freeze on 12 September and the stable release of Linux 6.11 around the same time, the timeline is tight. But thanks to Canonical’s new policy, Ubuntu 24.10 will ship with Linux 6.11. This is a significant upgrade from the Linux 6.8 kernel in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
For those eager to test the new kernel, a release candidate based on Linux 6.11 is available in the “oracular-proposed” package archive. Users running daily builds of Ubuntu 24.10 can test this version and provide feedback, helping refine the kernel before the final release.
Tight-Release Challenges #
Canonical recently updated the community on Ubuntu Discourse about potential tight-release issues. Due to the overlap between the Ubuntu 24.10 release and the Linux 6.11 development cycle, some issues might be present at launch. Canonical noted, “Given the current schedule of the upstream 6.11 development cycle, with 6.11-rc5 released on 2024-08-25, Ubuntu 24.10 will be considered a Tight Release from the kernel standpoint.” This means some limitations might exist in the initial release, but they will be addressed later.
Technical Improvements #
The Linux 6.11 kernel for Ubuntu 24.10 is built with the GCC 14 compiler. This ensures better performance and compatibility. Additionally, Canonical has included a new AppArmor/Stacking LSM patch-set, enhancing the system’s security and flexibility.
Conclusion #
Ubuntu 24.10’s inclusion of the Linux 6.11 kernel shows Canonical’s dedication to providing the latest Linux technology. While the tight release schedule might present challenges, the benefits of having an up-to-date kernel outweigh the potential issues. As Ubuntu evolves, users can expect a more secure, high-performing, and feature-rich experience.
