The beta unencumber of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ is now to be had to obtain, a month forward its deliberate solid unencumber on 23 April, 2026.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS runs on the most recent unencumber candidate of Linux kernel 7.0 (but to be launched), comprises the brand new GNOME 50 desktop unencumber and provides a few new default apps, together with a brand new machine tracking application (Assets).
Visible adjustments offered come with a collection of colorful new folder icons, an absolutely opaque Ubuntu Dock, a brand new default wallpaper and, albeit a bit more difficult to identify, a brand new boot spinner animation that performs all through machine startup.
At the backend, kernel firmware programs are split-out from a super-sized unmarried bundle to a collection of 17 vendor-specific ones. This reduces the volume of bandwidth updates required going ahead (and allows you to release disk house through eliminating drivers for {hardware} you don’t personal).
A fleet of recent programs are actually to be had to put in from the Ubuntu archives, together with AMD ROCm and NVIDIA CUDA programs and equipment for AI workloads, and OpenJDK 25 is the brand new default (older variations stay to be had).
A best stage review of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS:
- Linux kernel 7.0 – Subsequent solid kernel unencumber
- New GPU drivers – NVIDIA 590 & Mesa 26.0.2
- GNOME 50 – VRR, legacy X11 app scaling and new parental controls1
- New default apps – Assets machine track & Showtime video participant2
- Internet & Snap app seek in Assessment – Can also be disabled
- Nautilus – Rapid thumbnail loading, case-insensitive trail final touch
- Safety Middle – Ubuntu Professional settings, TPM PIN converting
- App Middle – DEB bundle control + extra
- Yaru theme replace – New folder icons, new boot spinner, bolder UI textual content
- Settings – Diversified tweaks + new Ubuntu Telemetry controls panel
- Ubuntu Dock – Not clear
- OS Installer – small design/textual content adjustments, new telemetry slide
Underneath-the-hood adjustments:
- Password comments for sudo – asterisks now display when typing password
- Apt – expanded bash-completion,
why/why-not+ extra - TPM/FDE – firmware replace advised if restoration key wanted after reboot
- Ubuntu Insights – document is generated all through OS upgrades (Desktop, WSL)
- Time server – up to date to Chrony 4.8
One main omission:
A slew of smaller, much less obtrusive or impactful adjustments are incorporated too. I’ll have a complete run-through of what’s new in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ out in a while, full of extra element and (clearly) numerous screenshots too.
However as it is a beta unencumber, not anything is but fastened or ultimate, and additional refinements or even new options may nonetheless arrive – Resolute isn’t wrapped up but.
A few insects I’ve spotted: loopy spacing between app icons when viewing app folders within the app grid; Record Viewer (aka Papers) crashes when the brand new ink equipment are activated; and Snap App leads to the Assessment don’t seem reliably3.
Plus, the adjustments above simplest quilt what’s been added since ultimate October’s 25.10 unencumber. For those who’re coming from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you internet a cumulative rollup of items added in Ubuntu 24.10, 25.04 and 25.10 – new apps, machine equipment and foundational features.
Must I take a look at the Ubuntu 26.04 Beta?
Beta builds don’t seem to be meant for day by day use, or to be relied upon. Despite the fact that they’re extra solid than a day by day construct, they’re no longer deemed in a position for prime-time use. If the speculation of insects and crash dialogs makes you wince, stay up for the solid unencumber.
For those who meant on making an improve from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, remember Ubuntu lacks an X11/Xorg desktop consultation as GNOME dropped fortify for operating on one. Legacy apps aren’t affected, as they run on Wayland by means of Xwayland.
If gaining access to a complete X11/Xorg show server is non-negotiable, you might want to transfer to the usage of a distinct flavour (e.g., Lubuntu, which nonetheless makes use of X11 for 26.04 LTS).
Obtain Ubuntu 26.04 Beta
You’ll be able to obtain Ubuntu 26.04 from the Ubuntu unencumber server for Intel/AMD 64-bit PCs. A generic ARM symbol (won’t paintings on all gadgets) and a preinstalled symbol for Raspberry Pi gadgets could also be to be had (Pi construct runs higher than ever, in my hands-on).
For those who do make a choice to put in this unencumber, you’ll improve to the overall, solid unencumber from Ubuntu 25.10 beta to the solid unencumber is straightforward: set up instrument updates as they arrive. Via 23 April 2026, you’ll have the similar core revel in as should you’d carried out a contemporary set up.
Choose Ubuntu with a distinct flavour? Beta builds of Ubuntu flavours are to be had for checking out too, together with Lubuntu 26.04 with LXQt 2.3.0, Xubuntu 26.04 with Xfce 4.20.1 and Kubuntu 26.04 with KDE Plasma 6.6.
Percentage your ideas in this beta and its options down within the feedback.
