Ubuntu 26.10 Release Date and Schedule
Mark your calendars! The upcoming Ubuntu 26.10, codenamed ‘Stonking Stingray,’ is set to launch on October 15, 2026. Canonical has released the tentative schedule for this version, acknowledging that adjustments may occur as development progresses.
One key date in this timeline is the feature freeze on August 10, 2026. This marks the cutoff for introducing new features, allowing the team to concentrate on fixing bugs and polishing the release. After this date, the true essence of the Stonking Stingray will start to take shape. The user interface freeze will follow on September 10, which signifies that all new themes and visual modifications must be finalized.
Here’s the timeline of important events leading up to the release:
| Date (2026) | Development Event |
|---|---|
| August 10 | Feature freeze |
| September 10 | User interface freeze |
| September 24 | Ubuntu 26.10 beta release |
| October 1 | Kernel freeze |
| October 15 | Ubuntu 26.10 final release |
Ubuntu 26.10 is an interim release, which means it will receive updates for nine months, overlapping with the next release, Ubuntu 27.04. The only other version released on October 15 was Ubuntu 18.10, recognized for incorporating the Yaru GTK and icon themes.
With this version, expect key features such as the GNOME 51 desktop environment and either Linux kernel versions 7.2 or 7.3. A simplified GRUB boot loader is also in the works, aimed at improving security for encrypted installations.
The community is invited to share any desired changes or features for the developers to focus on for this upcoming release.