The new stable release of APT brings a visual and functional overhaul to the heart of Debian’s package management system, delivering better usability and more intelligent operations.
The Debian Project has officially released APT 3.0, the latest stable version of the Advanced Packaging Tool used across Debian-based distributions, including Ubuntu and its derivatives. This major update introduces not only significant under-the-hood improvements, but also a modernized, colorful command-line interface that enhances the user experience.
Now in Color: A Friendlier Terminal Experience
One of the most noticeable changes in APT 3.0 is the new color-coded output and neatly organized column layout in the terminal. Installation operations now appear in green, while removals are marked in red, making it easier to identify actions at a glance. The progress bar has also been redesigned using Unicode blocks for smoother visual tracking during operations.
The default output is now less verbose, with padded columns to improve readability and reduce noise—greatly benefiting users who frequently work with long lists of packages.
Smarter Dependency Resolution with Solver3
APT 3.0 introduces Solver3, a powerful new dependency resolution system based on backtracking. This allows APT to better handle complex upgrade scenarios, edge cases, and version conflicts without requiring user intervention. Solver3 employs incremental clause detection and persistent storage to make smarter package selections.
In addition, users can benefit from uncompressed index support for local mirrors and Git-style automatic pagination when viewing large package lists—making long outputs easier to navigate.
Beyond the Interface: Security and Functional Enhancements
APT 3.0 isn’t just about looks—it also delivers important improvements to functionality and security:
- Transition from GnuTLS and GnuPG to OpenSSL and Sequoia, strengthening cryptographic robustness.
- Removal of outdated remote connection methods like FTP, RSH, and SSH.
- New
modernize-sourcescommand to automatically update repository configurations to the modern format. - Support for phased updates, ideal for staged rollouts across larger deployments.
- Enhanced visibility of suggested and recommended packages during upgrades.
- A new
--commentoption to annotate the package operation history. - Improved kernel size calculations for packages installed in
/boot.
Availability: Coming to Debian 13 “Trixie” and Ubuntu 25.04
APT 3.0 is now available in the Debian Sid (unstable) repositories and is expected to become the default in the upcoming Debian 13 “Trixie”, scheduled for release around mid-2025. It will also feature in Ubuntu 25.04, arriving later this April.
This release marks the beginning of a new stable APT series and is dedicated to the memory of Steve Langasek, a long-time contributor to both Debian and Ubuntu.
In short, APT 3.0 is a major step forward for Debian and its ecosystem. It modernizes a foundational tool with better visuals, smarter logic, and enhanced security—making daily system maintenance both faster and more user-friendly.
For more details, refer to the official announcement or check the APT 3.0 changelog.
Capture from reddit.
