Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Now Released, Built on Linux 7.0
Canonical has officially released the final images for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS, and several official derivatives. Users can download and use them from the official website. As the latest generation of Long Term Support (LTS) versions, Ubuntu 26.04 adopts the recently released Linux 7.0 kernel, bringing better support for new hardware platforms, while also undergoing extensive polishing and performance verification in both desktop and server scenarios.
In terms of the desktop environment, Ubuntu 26.04 comes with GNOME 50 desktop by default and uses GCC 15.2 as the system's default compiler, providing a more modern toolchain foundation for application development and building. Both the desktop and server installers have received multiple improvements and refinements in this version, further optimizing the installation process and interactive experience compared to previous versions.
Regarding support for different architectures, the ARM64 version of Ubuntu 26.04 has a significant improvement compared to 24.04, with improved adaptation quality and availability. In the RISC-V area, this version uses RVA23 as the hardware support baseline, providing a more complete system support path for the next generation of RISC-V devices. At the same time, the Wayland session in 26.04 LTS is also more mature and stable than in 24.04 LTS, laying the foundation for a gradual transition to Wayland in the future.
In terms of the general software stack, this LTS version brings a wider range of package updates and detail improvements compared to Ubuntu 25.10 and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, covering system components, development tools, and desktop applications. For GPU computing and AI-related workloads, the AMD ROCm software stack has entered the official software repository, allowing users to directly obtain relevant components through the distribution repository, simplifying the deployment process.
According to feedback from long-term testing and benchmarking of this version, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS has performed well overall in various tests over the past few weeks. Whether it's desktop/laptop computers or server environments, it has high availability and stability. For users who need to deploy on the latest hardware, the introduction of the Linux 7.0 kernel also means better device compatibility and driver support.
The official images of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS are now publicly available for download at releases.ubuntu.com, covering desktop, server, and multiple official "flavors." Users can choose the appropriate image for installation and upgrade according to their needs: