Greg Kroah-Hartman, a lead developer of the Linux project, has announced that support for the Linux 6.1 LTS (Long Term Support) kernel will be extended from four to five years. Initially scheduled to receive updates until the end of 2026, support will now continue through the end of 2027.
Reasons for the Extension
Released in 2022 as an LTS version, Linux 6.1 has garnered significant interest and commitment from users and developers, with consistent use and testing. This level of support encouraged Greg KH to extend the maintenance period, ensuring ongoing stability and security for those relying on the kernel over the long term.
Extended Support and Other LTS Kernels
In addition to Linux 6.1 LTS, the following kernels have projected end-of-life dates:
- Linux 6.12 LTS: Tentatively scheduled for support through the end of 2026.
- Linux 6.6 LTS: Support planned through 2026.
- Linux 5.15 LTS and 6.10 LTS: Projected to reach end-of-life by the end of 2026.
- Linux 5.4 LTS: Expected to be phased out by the end of 2024.
Extensions for these versions will depend on the level of community commitment and resources, as demonstrated with Linux 6.1 LTS.
A Flexible Model for Enterprise Needs
Long-term support kernels like Linux 6.1 are essential for businesses, embedded devices, and infrastructure projects requiring guaranteed stability. These extensions enable users to better plan updates for critical systems without compromising security.
With the recent end-of-life for Linux 4.19 LTS, this extension underscores the kernel maintainers’ dedication to meeting the needs of the community and industry.
