The beta launch of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ is now obtainable to obtain, a month forward its deliberate steady launch on 23 April, 2026.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS runs on the most recent launch candidate of Linux kernel 7.0 (but to be launched), consists of the brand new GNOME 50 desktop launch and provides a few new default apps, together with a brand new system monitoring utility (Assets).
Visible modifications launched embody a set of vibrant new folder icons, a totally opaque Ubuntu Dock, a brand new default wallpaper and, albeit a bit more durable to identify, a new boot spinner animation that performs throughout system startup.
On the backend, kernel firmware packages are split-out from a super-sized single bundle to a set of 17 vendor-specific ones. This reduces the quantity of bandwidth updates required going ahead (and allows you to release disk house by eradicating drivers for {hardware} you don’t personal).
A fleet of latest packages are actually obtainable to put in from the Ubuntu archives, together with AMD ROCm and NVIDIA CUDA packages and instruments for AI workloads, and OpenJDK 25 is the brand new default (older variations stay obtainable).
A high degree overview of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS:
- Linux kernel 7.0 – Subsequent steady kernel launch
- New GPU drivers – NVIDIA 590 & Mesa 26.0.2
- GNOME 50 – VRR, legacy X11 app scaling and new parental controls1
- New default apps – Assets system monitor & Showtime video participant2
- Internet & Snap app search in Overview – Will be disabled
- Nautilus – Quick thumbnail loading, case-insensitive path completion
- Safety Middle – Ubuntu Professional settings, TPM PIN altering
- App Middle – DEB bundle administration + extra
- Yaru theme replace – New folder icons, new boot spinner, bolder UI textual content
- Settings – Assorted tweaks + new Ubuntu Telemetry controls panel
- Ubuntu Dock – Not clear
- OS Installer – small design/textual content modifications, new telemetry slide
Beneath-the-hood modifications:
- Password suggestions for sudo – asterisks now present when typing password
- Apt – expanded bash-completion,
why/why-not+ extra - TPM/FDE – firmware replace immediate if restoration key wanted after reboot
- Ubuntu Insights – report is generated throughout OS upgrades (Desktop, WSL)
- Time server – up to date to Chrony 4.8
One main omission:
A slew of smaller, much less apparent or impactful modifications are included too. I’ll have a full run-through of what’s new in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ out shortly, filled with extra element and (clearly) loads of screenshots too.
However as it is a beta launch, nothing is but mounted or ultimate, and additional refinements and even new options might nonetheless arrive – Resolute isn’t wrapped up but.
A few bugs I’ve seen: loopy spacing between app icons when viewing app folders within the app grid; Doc Viewer (aka Papers) crashes when the brand new ink instruments are activated; and Snap App ends in the Overview don’t seem reliably3.
Plus, the modifications above solely cowl what’s been added since final October’s 25.10 launch. When you’re coming from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you internet a cumulative rollup of issues added in Ubuntu 24.10, 25.04 and 25.10 – new apps, system instruments and foundational capabilities.
Ought to I strive the Ubuntu 26.04 Beta?
Beta builds aren’t meant for day by day use, or to be relied upon. Although they’re extra steady than a day by day construct, they’re not deemed prepared for prime-time use. If the concept of bugs and crash dialogs makes you wince, anticipate the steady launch.
When you meant on making an improve from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, bear in mind Ubuntu lacks an X11/Xorg desktop session as GNOME dropped assist for operating on one. Legacy apps aren’t affected, as they run on Wayland through Xwayland.
If gaining access to a full X11/Xorg show server is non-negotiable, you could want to change to utilizing a unique flavour (e.g., Lubuntu, which nonetheless makes use of X11 for 26.04 LTS).
Obtain Ubuntu 26.04 Beta
You may obtain Ubuntu 26.04 from the Ubuntu launch server for Intel/AMD 64-bit PCs. A generic ARM picture (could not work on all units) and a preinstalled picture for Raspberry Pi units can be obtainable (Pi construct runs higher than ever, in my hands-on).
When you do select to put in this launch, you’ll be able to improve to the ultimate, steady launch from Ubuntu 25.10 beta to the steady launch is simple: set up software program updates as they arrive. By 23 April 2026, you’ll have the identical core expertise as in the event you’d carried out a recent set up.
Desire Ubuntu with a unique flavour? Beta builds of Ubuntu flavours can be found for testing 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.
Share your ideas on this beta and its options down within the feedback.
