Ubuntu 25.04 is here: new features and improvements in the latest release
The wait is over. The latest version of Ubuntu, 25.04 ‘Plucky Puffin’, is now available for download, bringing a series of optimizations and enhancements that solidify its position as one of the most polished and efficient editions to date.
Ubuntu 25.04 is a short-term support release, with updates guaranteed until January 2026. However, the next launch won’t be far off, as Ubuntu 25.10 is set to arrive in October with additional improvements and a direct upgrade option from this version.
Over the past six months, engineers and contributors have worked on integrating features that enhance the user experience. Ubuntu’s installation process now allows seamless replacement of previous versions, improves disk management alongside other operating systems, and enhances Windows compatibility when BitLocker is enabled.
In terms of graphics and performance, Ubuntu 25.04 adopts the Linux 6.14 kernel along with Mesa 25.0.x drivers, providing solid support for the new Intel Arc Xe and Battlemage GPUs. Gamers will benefit from optimizations for Windows-developed titles, as well as NVIDIA Dynamic Boost being enabled by default on compatible devices.
Regarding the desktop environment, GNOME 48 introduces features such as HDR support, screen time management improvements, and notification grouping, refining user interaction with the system. Additionally, the Evince document viewer has been replaced by Papers, promising a more streamlined experience.
Other highlights of Ubuntu 25.04 include:
- Installer with an automatic Ubuntu replacement option.
- Enhanced integration with GNOME 48, including new control tools.
- Native JPEG-XL support, optimizing image compatibility.
- AppArmor profile updates for better security management.
- Unified image for ARM64 devices, compatible with Snapdragon X Elite.
Of course, the best way to experience all these improvements is to try Ubuntu 25.04 firsthand. The download is available on the official server, with options for x86_64, ARM64, and pre-installed editions for Raspberry Pi and RISC-V platforms.
It’s clear that the team behind Ubuntu continues to exceed expectations, and with ‘Questing Quokka’ on the horizon, the future of the distribution looks more exciting than ever.
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