GNOME 47, also known as ‘Denver’, introduced a variety of new features and improvements, exciting users, especially those on Ubuntu 24.10. As attention shifts to the next release, developers are gearing up for GNOME 48, dubbed ‘Bengaluru’, scheduled for March 19, 2025.
Release Schedule
Key milestones are set for GNOME 48’s development:
- Alpha Release – January 4, 2025
- Beta Release – February 1, 2025
- Feature and UI Freeze – February 1, 2025
- Release Candidate – March 1, 2025
- Final Release – March 19, 2025
The beta phase is particularly significant, as it’s expected to coincide with the feature freeze for Ubuntu 25.04. Moreover, GNOME 48.1 is set to be released on April 12, 2025, addressing bugs and refinements from the initial release.
Anticipated Features
While specific features for GNOME 48 haven’t been confirmed yet, speculation is rife. It’s possible that proposals shelved during the development of GNOME 47 could resurface, such as altering the default font to Inter.
One notable enhancement expected is the implementation of performance-boosting triple-buffering support in Mutter by Canonical’s Daniel van Vugt. Furthermore, the GNOME Shell might expand its notification grouping feature, with enhanced accent color usage throughout the interface.
Core applications are also likely to evolve, with discussions suggesting a new tab overview feature in Nautilus, akin to that found in GNOME Web.
In a push for improved usability, Settings may introduce a ‘Wellbeing’ panel for break reminders, while also enhancing the networking panel to include more advanced mobile configurations and VPN support.
Moreover, the Loupe image viewer could receive improved zoom functionality and potential RAW support, along with basic image editing capabilities. Showtime, GNOME’s media player, might transition from its incubator phase, potentially replacing Totem.
While these enhancements are not yet finalized, GNOME 48’s development will progress, providing more concrete details in the months to come, particularly as it relates to its integration in Ubuntu 25.04.
Stay tuned for more updates and potential features that could enhance your experience with upcoming releases.