Canonical is taking a decisive step towards shaping the future of Ubuntu on RISC-V with the upcoming release of Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka”. The company aims to deliver a fully functional desktop session on RISC-V architecture — but only for systems that meet the newly ratified RVA23 profile.
This strategic move means that approximately 90 % of current RISC-V devices will be left behind. Ubuntu 25.10 will require the newer RVA23U64 profile, aligning with the standard ratified by RISC-V International in October 2024. As a result, Ubuntu 25.04 users on older hardware (RVA20) won’t be able to upgrade further.
A future built on RVA23
RVA23 is more than just an updated profile; it’s a leap toward standardization and performance. It introduces two essential extensions:
- Vector Extension, which boosts compute-heavy workloads such as AI/ML, cryptography, and compression.
- Hypervisor Extension, enabling enterprise-grade virtualization for both on-premise and cloud deployments.
These extensions establish a common foundation for software developers, reduce fragmentation, and signal that the RISC-V ecosystem is maturing.
With these changes, Canonical’s goal is to offer a seamless Ubuntu desktop experience, including full support for applications like Firefox and Thunderbird. Ubuntu 25.10 will incorporate hardware checks to ensure compatibility and will prevent system upgrades from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on non-RVA23 machines.
Canonical’s long-term strategy
Beyond desktop readiness, Canonical is preparing Ubuntu 25.10 with broader improvements:
- A polished Wayland experience for NVIDIA GPUs
- Full support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on compatible monitors
- TPM-backed full-disk encryption by default
- Enhanced accessibility in line with the European Accessibility Act
- New GNOME 49 desktop with updated apps like Loupe and Ptyxis
For enterprise users, Ubuntu 25.10 will also allow downloading autoinstall configurations directly from Landscape, streamlining mass provisioning and fleet management.
Developers and hardware makers in sync
Canonical’s strategy is aligned with broader industry momentum. The RVA23 profile has become the baseline for the Android RISC-V ABI and is already supported by leading vendors. Companies like Andes, Ventana, and SiFive are embracing RVA23 in their latest processors to ensure compatibility with Linux distributions like Ubuntu.
This move also reflects a growing recognition that open architectures like RISC-V need consistency to compete with ARM and x86 in both consumer and enterprise markets. Canonical is betting that now is the time to consolidate efforts and push toward a unified RISC-V software ecosystem.
What to expect next
The beta of Ubuntu 25.10 is scheduled for 18 de septiembre de 2025, with the final release expected on 9 de octubre. Powered by Linux kernel 6.17 and optimized for modern RISC-V platforms, Ubuntu 25.10 marks a new chapter in the open hardware movement.
By narrowing support to RVA23, Canonical is not just limiting compatibility — it’s making a clear bet on the future of RISC-V as a credible alternative for high-performance, open computing.
Sources: bugs.launchpad.net y 9to5linux
