Not all Ubuntu flavours will receive Long-Term Support (LTS) status in the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 release. A recent meeting of the Ubuntu Technical Board revealed that only 7 out of the official 10 flavours will be designated as LTS:
- Xubuntu
- Lubuntu
- Ubuntu Budgie
- Ubuntu Cinnamon
- Ubuntu Studio
- Edubuntu
- Ubuntu Kylin
In contrast, Ubuntu MATE and Ubuntu Unity have opted not to apply for LTS status. The decision for Ubuntu Unity not to pursue LTS is anticipated, considering the challenges the distro faces, including the absence of a release for version 25.10. The project’s current lead is reportedly preoccupied with higher education, though new contributors are stepping forward to ensure its continuation.
Similarly, the absence of an LTS version for Ubuntu MATE is notable, as it has consistently delivered an LTS release every two years since officially becoming a flavour in 2015. However, like Unity, it lacks sufficient contributor support, leading to the decision to forgo LTS status.
Despite these developments, both flavours retain the option to release non-LTS versions. Kubuntu, which is expected to be an LTS release based on ongoing daily builds, was not mentioned in the Technical Board’s announcement, but its long-standing history as an established Ubuntu flavour suggests it will continue its LTS track.
This LTS status change implies that flavours without the L, T, and S can still launch non-LTS versions, allowing their teams to fix bugs and issue updates through standard repositories during the LTS cycle. Official Ubuntu flavours provide a guaranteed 3 years of support, but ongoing updates may still be available beyond this period, even for those lacking LTS status.