Zorin OS 18 Beta has been released, joining the ranks of other beta releases like Ubuntu 25.10 and Fedora 43. This new version is built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, providing a significant upgrade over Zorin OS 17, which was based on the older Ubuntu 22.04 series.
The release boasts a redesigned desktop featuring a floating rounded panel and several new desktop features, including the Tiling Shell and a Web App creation tool aimed at enhancing productivity and app compatibility. The developers emphasize that Zorin OS 18 is tailored for those transitioning from Windows 10, especially with the latter’s end of life approaching on October 14, 2025.
A stable release is expected in the coming weeks, with upgrades from Zorin OS 17 to 18 following shortly after.
Notable Features of Zorin OS 18
The major improvements in Zorin OS 18 revolve around both performance and user experience. It incorporates the Linux kernel 6.14 along with updated GPU drivers, leading to enhanced performance characteristics. In terms of design, the "redesigned desktop" is designed to ease the transition for users coming from Windows. Key features include:
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Tiling Shell: Enable users to easily manage window layouts by dragging them to the top of the screen, similar to Microsoft’s Snap Assist feature.
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Visual Redesign: The desktop panel has a new floating design by default. Users can opt for a more traditional fixed-width panel if they prefer.
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Theme Enhancements: A refreshed theme includes lighter accents and two new colors—yellow and brown—compatible with both light and dark modes.
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Web App Tool: Allowing users to create desktop-like applications from websites, it offers features like start menu integration and independent management from web browsers.
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Windows Compatibility Tool Upgrades: This now provides suggestions for native Linux alternatives when trying to run Windows applications.
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Pro Features: Those who purchase Zorin OS 18 Pro will enjoy additional desktop layouts that mimic popular environments.
Support for Zorin OS 18 will continue with updates and security patches until at least April 2029, making it a viable option for deployment in various environments, including businesses and educational institutions.
For those interested in trying the beta, it is available on the Zorin OS 18 Beta downloads page.