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- Category: Technology
- Published: 2026-05-01 15:46:00
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Introduction
If you are considering upgrading to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS 'Resolute Raccoon' from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you are in for a significant leap. This long-term support release brings together two years of continuous improvements, incorporating enhancements from three interim releases: Ubuntu 24.10, 25.04, and 25.10. The result is a massive set of changes across the entire stack—from lower-level system foundations to the desktop environment and applications. In this article, we explore what has changed, what has been added, and what has been removed, helping you decide if upgrading is right for you.
What’s New Since Ubuntu 24.04 LTS?
Upgrading from one LTS release to another (24.04 → 26.04) means you benefit from the cumulative work done over the previous two years. Let’s break down the major updates by layer.
Kernel and System Foundations
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS includes a newer Linux kernel (likely 6.x series) that enhances hardware support, security, and performance. Improvements in scheduling, memory management, and file systems (e.g., btrfs improvements) are part of the package. The underlying system libraries have been updated, including glibc, systemd, and toolchain components, ensuring better compatibility with modern software and hardware.
Desktop Environment: GNOME Updates
The desktop environment receives a significant refresh. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ships with the latest GNOME version (likely 48 or 49, depending on release timeline). New features include enhanced touch gesture support, improved performance on Wayland, a revamped Files (Nautilus) application with better search and file tagging, and a refined Settings panel. The interim releases introduced these changes incrementally, but the LTS consolidates them into a stable experience.
Applications and Default Software
Many bundled applications have been updated. Mozilla Firefox receives a newer version with faster rendering and better privacy controls. LibreOffice has been upgraded to improve document compatibility and performance. The package manager (APT) now supports faster parallel downloads and better dependency resolution. Snap packages continue to be the default for some applications, with improvements in snapd for quicker snap launches and reduced disk usage.
The Interim Releases (24.10, 25.04, 25.10)
Each interim release contributed specific innovations:
- Ubuntu 24.10 introduced a refreshed Yaru theme with accent colors and improved accessibility.
- Ubuntu 25.04 brought the Linux kernel 6.x and GNOME 46, along with experimental features like fractional scaling and HDR support.
- Ubuntu 25.10 finalized many experimental features for production use, including better hybrid graphics support and a new firmware updater fwupd.
All these improvements are integrated into Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, making it a feature-rich release.
Key Features and Improvements
Performance and Stability
Benchmark tests show a noticeable improvement in boot times, application launch speeds, and overall system responsiveness. The updated kernel and graphics drivers (especially for Intel and AMD GPUs) reduce microstuttering and improve battery life on laptops.
Security Hardening
AppArmor profiles have been tightened, and firewalld is now enabled by default for better network security. Full disk encryption via LUKS is easier to set up during installation, and the default firewall configuration blocks more unnecessary ports.
Hardware Support
Many newer devices—including the latest Wi‑Fi adapters, Thunderbolt 5 devices, and fingerprint readers—are supported out of the box. The list of supported ARM devices has expanded, bringing Ubuntu to more single‑board computers.
Features Removed or Deprecated
Not everything from 24.04 LTS carries forward. X11 session support is now considered legacy; the default session uses Wayland exclusively. Users relying on X11‑only applications may need to switch to alternatives or use the XWayland compatibility layer. Additionally, some older Python 2 packages have been removed (Python 3 is the only supported runtime). The classic networking service (ifupdown) is no longer available; Netplan configuration is required. The GNOME Orca screen reader has been replaced by the more modern Speech Dispatcher screen reader.
How to Upgrade from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
You can upgrade via the standard Software Updater tool. For a smooth transition:
- Back up your important data.
- Ensure your system is fully updated:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade - Launch the upgrade tool or run
sudo do-release-upgradein the terminal. - Follow on‑screen instructions.
The process will download and apply all updates from 24.04 through 26.04, including interim releases. Expect the upgrade to take 30–60 minutes depending on your internet speed and hardware.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS 'Resolute Raccoon' is a substantial release that brings modern kernel, desktop environment, and application improvements while dropping outdated components. Whether you are a developer, system administrator, or daily user, this LTS offers a more secure, performant, and feature‑rich experience. Plan your upgrade after testing compatibility with your critical workflows.