Canonical has made a significant change in its policy on kernel version selection for Ubuntu releases. Starting with Ubuntu 24.10, set to release in October 2024, Canonical will now include the latest available Linux kernel series. This shift marks a departure from Ubuntu’s history of lagging behind other distributions in offering the newest kernel versions.
A Long-Awaited Change #
For years, Ubuntu users have expressed frustration with the distribution’s conservative approach to kernel updates. Unlike other Linux distributions, Ubuntu has typically shipped kernels that were nearing the end of their supported lifecycle or already marked as End of Life (EOL). This cautious strategy often left users without access to the latest features and hardware support.
The Ubuntu community has consistently requested access to the newest kernel versions, and Canonical has finally responded. Starting with Ubuntu 24.10 “Oracle Oriole,” the distribution will include the latest upstream Linux kernel available at the time of the Ubuntu release freeze, even if the kernel is still in its Release Candidate (RC) stage.
Brett Grandbois, Director of Kernel Engineering at Canonical, emphasized the reasoning behind this shift: “We want to provide users with the absolute latest in features and hardware support. Ubuntu will now ship the latest available version of the upstream Linux kernel at the specified Ubuntu release freeze date, even if upstream is still in Release Candidate (RC) status.”
What to Expect in Ubuntu 24.10 #
Ubuntu 24.10 will include the Linux 6.11 kernel series, expected to release in mid to late September 2024. Canonical plans to release the final version of Ubuntu 24.10 on October 10, 2024, with a beta version available for public testing on September 19, 2024.
This change excites users who want the latest technology, but it does come with some caveats. For interim Ubuntu releases, which are supported for only nine months, Canonical plans to ship a single kernel version. Ubuntu 24.10 will likely stick with the Linux 6.11 kernel throughout its lifespan, without upgrading to newer versions like Linux 6.12.
In contrast, Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) releases will continue to receive updated kernels through Hardware Enablement (HWE) stacks. For example, Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS will receive the Linux 6.11 kernel from Ubuntu 24.10 when it aligns with an LTS point release.
Addressing Potential Issues #
Canonical has also outlined how they plan to manage potential issues with this new approach. For users of interim Ubuntu releases, if problems arise with the latest kernel, Canonical will provide a “bridge kernel”—an earlier stable kernel version. This solution will help address issues related to drivers or other kernel code that may not be fully stable in the upstream kernel.
LTS users won’t need a bridge kernel, as Canonical will disable all upgrades until the stabilization process is complete. Canonical will generate a new image for the .1 release, ensuring a smooth transition several months after the initial LTS release. Users who rely on Live patch under Ubuntu Pro can also rest assured that the service will continue without interruption.
Looking Forward #
Canonical’s decision to include the latest Linux kernel in Ubuntu 24.10 represents a significant shift in the distribution’s approach to updates. This change will deliver the latest features and hardware support to users more quickly than ever before.
While this new approach presents some challenges, Canonical has thought through potential issues and is ready to address them. Brett Grandbois highlighted that Canonical now has the flexibility to announce kernel version commitments for upcoming releases earlier than before, allowing users to plan accordingly.
As Ubuntu 24.10’s release date approaches, the Linux community will closely watch how this new policy unfolds. If successful, this approach could set a new standard for how Ubuntu—and potentially other distributions—handle kernel updates in the future.
