openSUSE Leap 16 Beta Released with New Agama Installer, SELinux, and Desktop Options
The openSUSE Project has officially unveiled the beta version of its upcoming openSUSE Leap 16 operating system, offering users and developers a preview of what’s to come in the final release expected later this year.
Built on SUSE’s Adaptable Linux Platform (ALP) and powered by the Linux kernel 6.12 LTS, openSUSE Leap 16 aims to provide a modern, secure, and flexible computing environment. Whether you’re deploying on a workstation or a server, this release offers a mix of cutting-edge components and reliable infrastructure.
Introducing the Agama Installer
Replacing the long-standing YaST installer, openSUSE Leap 16 now features the Agama installer, developed by the same team behind YaST. Agama brings modern enhancements including:
Modular and reusable architecture
Integration with third-party tools
Support for multiple openSUSE editions: Tumbleweed, Slowroll, and MicroOS
During installation, users can choose from three options:
Base (default) – minimal install without GUI
GNOME 47 – with a Wayland-only session
KDE Plasma 6.3 – also Wayland-only
Security Gets an Upgrade with SELinux
A major security shift in Leap 16 is the adoption of SELinux as the default Mandatory Access Control (MAC) system, replacing AppArmor. Already the default in Tumbleweed, SELinux offers:
A larger and more active community
Better upstream development and support
Stronger compatibility with high-security environments
This change aligns Leap 16 with modern enterprise and cloud security expectations.
Performance and Usability Improvements
openSUSE Leap 16 introduces a number of performance-focused updates:
RIS-based repository management, with metadata split per architecture, resulting in faster refreshes.
Parallel package downloads in Zypper to improve install and update speeds.
Cockpit as a modern system management interface.
Myrlyn replaces YaST as the go-to system configuration tool.
Download and Test the Beta
The beta version is available for download from the official openSUSE website, though it’s important to note that this is a pre-release version not suitable for production use.
Currently, only network installation is supported. The offline image is not yet available.
The final release is expected around October 2025, and openSUSE has assured users of a smooth upgrade process from previous Leap versions, as well as migration options for Leap Micro users.
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