New applications have been introduced in the latest development builds of Ubuntu 25.10, including the new Ptyxis terminal and Loupe image viewer. Alongside these, the upcoming release will also implement a switch to a Rust-based version of sudo, enhancing the security framework of the distribution.
The plans for integrating Ptyxis as the default terminal emulator and Loupe as the default image viewer were initially shared earlier in the development cycle. These applications are engineered to leverage modern technologies and enhance functionality compared to their predecessors, GNOME Terminal and Eye of GNOME.
The decision to transition to sudo-rs, based on Rust, is aimed at improving memory safety and security. While this new version is not meant to be a direct replacement, users can expect a seamless experience without noticeable changes.
Additionally, the new Ubuntu Insights tool will replace Ubuntu Report, allowing for consent-based collection of non-personal system information and metrics, thereby expanding its functionality. The timely introduction of these tools is crucial ahead of the next Long Term Support (LTS) release.
For those testing the Ubuntu 25.10 builds, the new applications are included and will be available through regular updates without requiring special actions. However, there is uncertainty about whether the old applications will be removed upon upgrading from Ubuntu 25.04. Typically, Ubuntu tends to retain existing applications after upgrades.
Until the User Interface freeze takes effect, the new applications will currently feature the standard Adwaita icons instead of the previously used Yaru icons, which are expected to be updated soon.
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