The Software Manager application in Linux Mint 22 is set to offer quicker start-up times and will implement a major security feature concerning search results.
If you’re unfamiliar (seriously, have you been living on Mars? ;P), the Linux Mint Software Manager (package name mintinstall) enables users to install DEB packages from the Ubuntu/Linux Mint repositories and Flatpak applications from Flathub.
However, not all apps on Flathub carry a verification.
Thus, the Software Manager will now display only verified Flatpaks in search results, excluding unverified Flatpaks from appearing.
Now, a lack of verification isn’t a major red flag of itself. A number of unverified apps on Flathub (and other stores) are from trustworthy packagers/community efforts. But as also seen on those others stores, big name software lacking verification can be iffy.
With that in mind, it’s understandable that Linux Mint will veer on the side of caution and hide unverified Flatpak apps entirely.
Linux Mint will make it easier for users to opt-in to seeing/install unverified Flatpaks through a (new) preferences dialog. But this makes it very clear it’s “not recommended” and includes a warning to educate users on the risks.
“Unverified Flatpaks represent a huge security risk. They are not officially approved by the developer of the application and could be maintained by anyone. To avoid potential malware, it is strongly recommended not to use unverified Flatpaks.”
The warning text for the new unverified opt-in switch
Additionally, when the ‘show unverified Flatpaks’ setting is enabled unverified Flatpaks will appear in search results but will be listed below other (less relevant but verified) results and feature an unverified warning icon next to them.
Regarding the handling of search results with multiple application formats, a new setting has been introduced. Here, users can choose to display either only a DEB/repo match, only the Flatpak match, or both options (default setting).
Furthermore, Linux Mint mentions that the newly updated version of Software Manager “loads faster than before and the main window appears instantly.” While I never found the previous version to be slow, any improvement is certainly appreciated!
In all, an interesting set of changes to look forward to when Linux Mint 22 is released in the summer.