Official support for Ubuntu 23.04 ‘Lunar Lobster’ ends on January 25, 2024 — just under a month away at the time I’m writing this post.
As an interim/short-term support release, Ubuntu 23.04 receives 9 months of updates from release. Having been released in April of 2023, January 2024 is when the Lunar Lobster hits end of life (EOL).
Upgrade to Ubuntu 23.10 to continue receiving security patches
Still using Ubuntu 23.04? You should upgrade to Ubuntu 23.10. This will ensure you continue to receive security patches, critical bug fixes, and important updates to select software from Canonical.
Being capable of upgrading directly, without the requirement of downloading an ISO and eradicating your current system, suggests there’s no genuine argument to avoid upgrading (unless you lack internet connection, potentially).
The upgrade process for Ubuntu is swift (less than 15 minutes with a good internet connection) and minimally disruptive; just initiate the upgrade, wait, reboot when instructed and it’s completed. Though, it’s worth mentioning that PPAs and third-party repositories are disabled during the upgrade, so remember to re-enable them afterwards if necessary.
What makes upgrading to Ubuntu 23.10 worthwhile?
To continue receiving core support, upgrading to Ubuntu 23.10 is crucial. However, there are more concrete, persuasive reasons to embark on this upgrade besides the basic foundational supports and patches.
Ubuntu 23.10 includes the newest GNOME 45 release, filled with numerous enhancements. It utilizes the Linux 6.5 kernel, updated graphics drivers, and introduces two new exclusive apps for this version: App Center and Firmware.
I walk you through every new feature in Ubuntu 23.10.
As a short-duration release, support for Ubuntu 23.10 goes until mid-July 2024. You will be able to upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS from late April.
If the constant upgrading cycle seems too much, consider sticking to Ubuntu LTS releases (most Ubuntu desktop users actually use the LTS version).
Ubuntu LTS releases receive 5 years of updates, encompassing newly released kernels and graphics stacks. In addition to this, they also benefit from 5 years of Extended Support Maintenance (ESM) further to the standard support period. LTS upgrades occur biennially, allowing users to move from one LTS to the immediate succeeding LTS, bypassing the interim releases.
The release date for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is slated for April 25th, 2024. Upgrading to Ubuntu 23.10 allows you to progress to the succeeding April’s LTS release. Post-upgrade, you will have the option not to upgrade further until 2029, if you so desire.
You have the choice to persist with using Ubuntu 23.04 for any duration of your choosing. Even though support for this version is likely to be discontinued in January 2024, your OS will continue to function. In case you are utilizing Snap and Flatpak applications, you will likely continue to receive app updates for many succeeding years.
If you are still on version 23.04, feel free to share your upgrade plans in the comments section below!