Canonical has released Ubuntu 24.10, codenamed "Oracular Oriole," marking the 20th anniversary of the operating system. This release brings significant updates, new features, and improved performance, while paying homage to its roots.
Under the Hood
Ubuntu 24.10 comes with the latest Linux kernel (version 6.11), providing modern hardware support and performance enhancements. Open Source software packages have been updated, including OpenSSL (version 3.3), systemd (version v256.5), and Netplan (version 1.1), reflecting a move toward modernization and increased security.
Developers will also appreciate the major updates to the toolchain. GCC is now at version 14.2, Python has been updated to 3.12.7, Rust has moved up to version 1.80, and OpenJDK 23 and a preview of OpenJDK 24 are available, providing options for pushing the limits of Java development.
Desktop Enhancements
The desktop experience has received numerous usability improvements. The installer now supports local file paths for auto-installation, and the Power Profiles Manager has been upgraded to enhance battery-aware optimizations, especially beneficial for AMD users. Fingerprint support has been expanded with updates to fprintd and libfprint.
GNOME fans will appreciate the update to GNOME 47, along with stability and performance enhancements specific to Ubuntu. The iconic Dock has been upgraded to visualize snap refreshes and improve handling for Progressive Web Apps installed via Chromium.
The App Center has received new features, including improved messaging for running snaps, direct uninstallation options, and third-party “.deb” installation support, further simplifying software management.
Celebrating Two Decades of Ubuntu
Ubuntu 24.10 acknowledges its 20th anniversary with several throwbacks to the first release, 4.10 "Warty Warthog." Users will notice the return of the original startup sound and a “Warty” brown accent color as a style setting. A special anniversary logo honors the community that has supported Ubuntu over the years.
Security and Performance
A new Security Center gives users easy control over experimental permissions prompting. Performance improvements have been made, including the introduction of Sysprof 6 as a default system utility to help identify app performance issues.
Wayland is now the default display server for systems using NVIDIA graphics, though users can opt for Xorg during login if needed.
Core Applications
Core applications like Firefox, LibreOffice, and Thunderbird have all been updated, offering new features and enhancements. The audio and networking subsystems have also seen updates, with PipeWire 1.2.4, NetworkManager 1.48, and BlueZ 5.77 getting the latest versions for a better multimedia and connectivity experience.
Official Ubuntu Spins
Each of the official Ubuntu spins has received updates, offering a variety of choices for users with specific needs:
Edubuntu 24.10: This educational spin introduces GNOME 47, a new default wallpaper, and features Permissions Prompting and the Security Center.
Kubuntu 24.10: KDE Plasma-centered Kubuntu 24.10 ships with the new KDE Plasma 6.1 and includes updates to core packages such as KDE Frameworks 5.116 and 6.6.0, as well as numerous updated KDE gear applications. Wayland is now the default Plasma session.
Lubuntu 24.10: LXQt-focused Lubuntu 24.10 introduces a transition to a primarily Qt 6-based environment, enhancing theming compatibility with modern while retaining Qt 5 support for older applications. It also replaces the Breeze theme with Kvantum theming.
Ubuntu Budgie 24.10: Ubuntu Budgie 24.10 highlights a major shift toward a Wayland-based system, alongside improvements to the Budgie Desktop, including bug fixes for session dialogs, notifications, and system tray icons.
Ubuntu MATE 24.10: The lightweight Ubuntu MATE 24.10 brings stability with the MATE Desktop 1.26.2, offering bug fixes and improvements. Key changes include the return to the Slick Greeter for login screen configuration and a reduced ISO size.
Ubuntu Studio 24.10: Targeting creative individuals, Ubuntu Studio 24.10 introduces significant updates, including the switch to KDE Plasma 6.1 and a shift from the linux-lowlatency kernel to linux-generic with low latency boot options. The release also deprecates PulseAudio/JACK in favor of PipeWire.
Ubuntu Unity 24.10: Ubuntu Unity 24.10 continues using the Unity 7.7 desktop environment while introducing a new Lomiri variant, developed in collaboration with the UBports Foundation, as a potential alternative to Unity7.
Xubuntu 24.10: Xfce-focused Xubuntu 24.10 includes pre-release software, notably Xfce 4.19, so users may encounter more bugs than usual. Major updates feature enhancements in icon scaling, Wayland support, and power management.
Ubuntu Cinnamon 24.10: Ubuntu Cinnamon 24.10 maintains the same versions of Cinnamon as the 24.04 release, with a few updates from Cinnamon 6.2. Notable changes include crash fixes in the Cinnamon Control Center and the use of mozjs115 in CJS 6.2.0.
Download and Support
Ubuntu 24.10 is available for download [link to download page]. The release notes provide a detailed overview of all updates in the new release. The installation ISO images for the 24.10 version of all Ubuntu official spins are also available and can be downloaded from the following links: [links to spin download pages].
Ubuntu 24.10 will be supported for nine months, until July 2025. Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS remains the better choice for those needing long-term support, with support extended until at least 2029.
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