A new Rust-based library has been integrated into Ubuntu 25.10, also known as ‘Questing Quokka,’ aimed at enhancing Canonical’s hardware support, particularly for Ubuntu Pro users. The rust-hwlib package is part of the hardware-api project developed by Canonical’s Hardware Certification team. This library is designed to assist the Ubuntu pro-client in retrieving machine information and verifying certification status.
As there is currently no similar package in Ubuntu’s main repository, the addition of rust-hwlib highlights its unique role in the operating system. The introduction comes with plans to backport the library to earlier Ubuntu versions, making its features more widely available in the future.
In its initial rollout, rust-hwlib will function exclusively on x86-64 systems, helping users identify which hardware components have been certified for various Ubuntu releases, which can be accessed using the hwctl command.
The library has successfully passed the necessary approval processes and has been incorporated into both desktop and server installations of Ubuntu 25.10. Users testing development builds or monthly snapshot releases can expect to receive this library in upcoming software updates.