elementary OS 8 Has a Big Surprise in Store
When elementary OS 8 finally arrives, it will not only be based on Ubuntu 24.04 but it will also default to Wayland for better performance and security.
Elementary OS has long been a favorite of mine. For years, it was my go-to Linux distribution, which came to a halt when I purchased my first System76 Thelio desktop. Even so, I've admired the work that goes into the OS from afar.
And with the upcoming release, the development team plans to finally shift to the Wayland display server by default.
This has been a long time coming because Wayland is far superior and more secure than X.org.
Wayland isn't the only change coming to elementary OS 8. According to the team's recent blog, version 8 of the OS will also include the continued transition to GTK 4.
So far, the Captive Network Assistant, Initial Setup, and Videos app have already made the transition (in their respective development branches) and the port for the AppCenter is almost done.
The System Settings app and the indicator area will also see some major changes, making them both more modern and responsive. As well, the development team is considering an immutable version of elementary OS, adding Pipewire, replacing the onscreen keyboard, and even reevaluating the SystemD boot.
Of course, not everything will make it into version 8, but it looks like the team has their work cut out for them.
If you'd like to get early access to daily builds, you can do so by becoming an elementary OS sponsor on GitHub.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Offers 12-Year LTS for Open Source Docker Images
Canonical is expanding its LTS offering to reach beyond the DEB packages with a new distro-less Docker image.
-
Plasma Desktop 6.1 Released with Several Enhancements
If you're a fan of Plasma Desktop, you should be excited about this new point release.
-
SUSE Offers CentOS 7 Support with Liberty Linux Lite
SUSE's Liberty Linux support offering now includes CentOS 7, which means businesses won't be forced to migrate those servers for some time.
-
Ubuntu's App Center Finally Supports Local Installs Again
If you regularly download .deb files and would prefer a GUI method of installing, Ubuntu has your back.
-
AlmaLinux Now Supports Raspberry Pi 5
If you're looking to create with the Raspberry Pi 5 and want to use AlmaLinux as your OS, you're in luck because it's now possible.
-
Kubuntu Focus Releases New Iterations of Ir14 and Ir16 Laptops
If you're a fan of the Kubuntu Focus laptops or have been waiting for the right time to purchase one, that time might be now.
-
NixOS 24.05 Is Ready for Prime Time
The latest release of NixOS (Uakari) has arrived and offers its usual reproducible, declarative, and reliable goodness.
-
Linux Lite 7.0 Officially Released
Based on Ubuntu 24.04 and kernel 6.8, Linux Lite version 7 now offers more options than ever.
-
KaOS Linux 2024.05 Adds Bcachfs Support and More
With updates all around, KaOS Linux now includes support for the bcachefs file system.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils New Iteration of the Stellaris Laptop Line
The Stellaris Slim 15 is the 6th generation and includes either an AMD or Intel CPU