Ubuntu’s old Unity desktop has been creatively reimagined using Wayfire and Libadwaita, thanks to the efforts of community member Muqtxdir. This project offers a glimpse into what an evolved version of Ubuntu’s Unity might look like, had Canonical not shifted focus to the smartphone market in the mid-2010s.
Muqtxdir, who actively contributes to the development of Ubuntu’s Yaru theme and the Vanilla OS Linux distribution, presented a video showcasing his experiment. In this demo, we can see a functional launcher, dock, and panel reminiscent of Unity, albeit with a more contemporary flat design and significant background blur effects.
While there are various Unity-like user interfaces available across different Linux desktops, they often serve as tributes rather than true recreations. Unity was a distinctive environment developed by design professionals, refined through user feedback over many years. It introduced a cohesive experience that included workspaces, panels, and a launcher, with only minor updates like Smart Scopes and integrated menus over its lifetime.
Though Muqtxdir’s initiative is not a formal revival of Unity—as there’s no larger ambition behind the project—the demonstration highlights the potential to recreate Unity for modern use, showcasing how skilled individuals can utilize contemporary tools and technology.
For further insights on the Unity desktop and its ongoing evolution, see the official Unity page.