The beta version of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is now available for download, ahead of its official stable release scheduled for April 23, 2026. This beta incorporates the release candidate of Linux kernel 7.0 and introduces the new GNOME 50 desktop environment. It also features new default applications, including a system monitoring utility called Resources.
Among the visual updates are vibrant new folder icons, an opaque Ubuntu Dock, and a revamped default wallpaper, along with a new boot spinner animation. Moreover, the kernel firmware packages have been restructured, moving from one large package to 17 vendor-specific packages, thereby minimizing update bandwidth and allowing for more efficient disk space usage.
Several new packages can be installed from the Ubuntu archives, including tools for AI workloads such as AMD ROCm and NVIDIA CUDA, while OpenJDK 25 is now set as the default version.
Here’s a brief overview of the key features:
- Linux kernel 7.0 – Next major kernel release.
- New GPU drivers – NVIDIA 590 & Mesa 26.0.2.
- New applications – Resources system monitor and Showtime video player.
- GNOME 50 – Introduces VRR, legacy X11 app scaling, and new parental controls.
- Nautilus enhancements – Faster thumbnail loading and case-insensitive path completion.
- Ubuntu Dock – Complete opacity for the dock.
Other improvements include password feedback in sudo, a firmware prompt for trusted platform modules after reboot, and an expanded bash-completion in Apt.
As this is a beta build, it may not be suitable for daily use, so users should be cautious, especially if they prefer a bug-free experience. Current users of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS should note that the X11/Xorg desktop session is not supported in this version, though legacy apps will still function using Wayland.
You can download the beta version of Ubuntu 26.04 from the Ubuntu release server. There are also beta builds available for various Ubuntu flavors, including Lubuntu, Xubuntu, and Kubuntu.
If you have thoughts about the beta and its features, feel free to share in the comments!