Development for Ubuntu 25.10 "Questing Quokka" has officially begun, following a recent announcement from Canonical engineer Utkarsh Gupta on the Ubuntu mailing list. This marks the start of a new development cycle for the upcoming short-term release, scheduled for October 9, 2025.
Despite the recent release of Ubuntu 25.04 "Plucky Puffin," developers are quickly diving into the next version. Gupta mentioned that the influx of builds and automated package tests could result in delays, urging the community to assist in resolving any issues that arise.
As is customary at the beginning of a release cycle, the focus will be on establishing a solid foundation. The daily builds for the new version are expected to start within a week, allowing users to download and test them as they become available. This phase will see the introduction of newer technologies, packages, and features once the foundational elements are properly set.
In terms of expected features, Ubuntu 25.10 is likely to ship with GNOME 49 and the Linux 6.17 kernel or newer, along with updated drivers, applications, and tools. Notably, there are plans to implement a snap version of the CUPS printing system, revisiting an initiative that was put on hold in a prior release cycle. Additionally, there is talk of migrating core utilities to a Rust-based framework and enhancing the security experience for snap applications.
As Ubuntu 25.10 serves as the final short-term release preceding the next long-term support version, it represents a critical opportunity for the developers to introduce significant changes. Enthusiasts and users are encouraged to share their hopes and expectations for this upcoming version as the development journey unfolds.
For more information on this development cycle, visit the Ubuntu 25.10 news.