The Ubuntu Kernel Development Team has announced a new kernel selection policy for each version of Ubuntu, opting for the latest kernel version even if it’s not yet stable (still a Release Candidate or RC).
Ubuntu follows a strict release cycle of every 6 months, whereas the Linux kernel has a tradition of releasing new versions every 2-3 months without a fixed schedule. This sometimes poses challenges for the Ubuntu Kernel Team, as they need approximately 1 month to customize the upstream kernel for use in Ubuntu. Consequently, they often face issues aligning the release of a new kernel version with the release of a new Ubuntu distribution (e.g., Ubuntu 24.10 coinciding with Kernel 6.11).
Previously, Ubuntu selected kernel versions that had already reached stable status to allow time for customization (e.g., choosing Kernel 6.10). However, this approach had drawbacks – using outdated kernels could lead to compatibility issues with new hardware.
Under the new policy, Ubuntu will opt for the latest upstream kernel version being developed by the Linux project when Ubuntu enters the freeze stage, even if it’s still an RC. The benefit is having the most recent kernel version at that time, but the downside is potential instability. The Ubuntu Kernel Team will address this by releasing kernel upgrade versions later on to ensure stability (e.g., releasing a .1 version with a stable kernel alongside LTS distributions).
TLDR: Ubuntu adopts a new kernel selection policy, choosing the latest upstream kernel version during the freeze stage, even if it’s a Release Candidate, to stay up-to-date and address compatibility challenges.
Leave a Comment