The initial point release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will not launch this week as previously scheduled.
The Ubuntu development team had planned to release Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS on Thursday, August 19th. However, the release has been delayed due to the discovery of several significant upgrade bugs.
The new release date for Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS is now set for Thursday, August 29th.
What is Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS?
Anyone already using Ubuntu 24.04 LTS won’t be affected by this delay.
Ubuntu point releases are an important part of an LTS in that they periodically refresh the installer image (ISO) to integrate all of the bug fixes and upgrades issued as over-the-air software updates since release (saving time for those who install it).
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: 20 Biggest Changes
Later Ubuntu point releases also provide newer Linux kernel and graphics drivers versions (‘hardware enablement stack’, or ‘HWE’), back ported from the subsequent interim/short-term releases.
The initial point release lacks the capability to back-port as it does not have a ‘newer’ version to source from – the second point release, Ubuntu 24.04.2, will implement back-porting from Ubuntu 24.10.
The first point release in a new LTS cycle marks the time when official upgrades from the previous LTS release are offered.
Upon the release of Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS, users operating on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS will receive a notification about the availability of a new Ubuntu version, prompting them to upgrade.
Consequently, those looking to move to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS from 22.04 LTS don’t have to manage command-line flags or subscribe to non-LTS release channels. Everything is officially sanctioned, supported, and designed for straightforward, hassle-free on-the-spot upgrades.
But that is only enabled once the all-important first point release is out.
In light of some particularly irritating bugs that affect the upgrade process, Ubuntu has opted to postpone the release to ensure, developer Lukasz Zemczak mentions, “to make sure the experience of upgrading from 22.04 to 24.04 is adequate”.
So, if you were among those early awaiting that upgrade prompt later this week, don’t fret when you don’t see it: it’s still coming, just a little later than billed.