A significant hardware enablement stack update is set to roll out for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS this month. This release precedes the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS point release scheduled for February 12, 2026. This update incorporates advancements in the Linux kernel and graphics drivers that are usually backported from interim releases to ensure long-term support (LTS) users have access to the latest technology.
The major components of the update include:
Linux 6.17 Kernel
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will receive the Linux 6.17 kernel, which introduces several improvements such as:
- Enhanced power management and thermal tuning for Intel’s newer CPUs, specifically Core Ultra models.
- Support for AMD hybrid GPU laptops featuring SmartMux for automatic switching.
- Initial support for AMD RDNA 4 architecture, which is anticipated in future Radeon cards.
- Integration for ambient light sensors and power-button LEDs in Framework Laptop models 13 and 16.
- Improved battery reporting for Logitech wireless devices.
- Broad support for various webcams and Wacom tablets.
- Stabilization for Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be).
- A new SSD ‘zero out’ flag aimed at prolonging flash memory lifespan.
New Mesa Graphics Drivers
The graphics stack will upgrade from Mesa 25.0.7 to Mesa 25.2.7, which is packed with bug fixes and enhancements. Key features include:
- NVK, the open-source NVIDIA Vulkan driver, is now considered stable for use, supporting Turing, Blackwell, and newer architectures.
- OpenCL tasks handled via Rusticl, improving compliance and benefiting applications such as Blender and Darktable.
- Full Vulkan 1.4 compliance, enhancing support for Intel and AMD drivers.
- Improvements for various high-profile games, ensuring stability and performance.
Updates to Wayland Protocols
The update also includes a full backport of Wayland Protocols 1.45, which introduces new features that improve application communication with the compositor. Changes include support for transparency blur, dimming, and adjustments for pointer handling in games.
Update Timeline
The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS release is slated for February 12, 2026, but users running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will receive this hardware enablement stack earlier through a standard software update. Current updates for Mesa and the Linux kernel are already accessible in the noble-proposed staging repository, with broader availability coming soon.
In the future, another hardware enablement update will roll out for Ubuntu 24.04, incorporating components from the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release, which will ensure ongoing support for the system.
For further details, refer to the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Wayland tags.