The beta version of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” is available for download, a month ahead of its scheduled stable release on April 23, 2026.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS runs on the latest release candidate of Linux kernel 7.0 (the stable version has not yet been released), includes the new desktop version GNOME 50, and adds some new default applications, such as a new system monitoring utility (Resources).
Since GNOME 50 stopped supporting X11, the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release will also be Wayland-only, but you will still be able to run X11 applications via the XWayland compatibility layer, as well as other X11 desktop sessions such as KDE Plasma on X11, Xfce, MATE, i3, and others.
The visual changes added include a set of colorful new folder icons, a fully opaque Ubuntu Dock, a new default wallpaper, and, although a little harder to spot, a new boot animation that appears during system startup.
If you want to try it as a beta, your installation will change to final when the final version is released on April 23, 2026.
Download:
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
