Linux kernel 6.12 has been officially named the Long-Term Support (LTS) version for 2024, with a projected end-of-life (EOL) in December 2026. This designation highlights the importance of stability and extended support in the Linux ecosystem for enterprises and critical systems.
Key Details on Linux 6.12 LTS
The announcement, made by Linux stable maintainer Greg Kroah-Hartman, confirms Linux 6.12 as the successor to the 6.6 kernel, which also holds LTS status. This move continues the tradition of selecting the last major release of the calendar year as the LTS version.
Linux 6.12 brings significant improvements, including enhanced hardware support, optimized memory management, and advanced security features. These updates make it an excellent choice for systems requiring extended operational stability, such as enterprise servers, embedded systems, and cloud infrastructure.
Active Long-Term Support (LTS) Kernels
Below is a table summarizing the currently supported LTS kernels, their maintainers, release dates, and projected EOL:
| Version | Maintainer(s) | Released | Projected EOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.12 | Greg Kroah-Hartman & Sasha Levin | 2024-11-17 | Dec, 2026 |
| 6.6 | Greg Kroah-Hartman & Sasha Levin | 2023-10-29 | Dec, 2026 |
| 6.1 | Greg Kroah-Hartman & Sasha Levin | 2022-12-11 | Dec, 2026 |
| 5.15 | Greg Kroah-Hartman & Sasha Levin | 2021-10-31 | Dec, 2026 |
| 5.10 | Greg Kroah-Hartman & Sasha Levin | 2020-12-13 | Dec, 2026 |
| 5.4 | Greg Kroah-Hartman & Sasha Levin | 2019-11-24 | Dec, 2025 |
Importance of LTS Kernels
Long-Term Support kernels are vital for systems that prioritize stability and minimal maintenance. While the initial EOL for Linux 6.12 is set for December 2026, the timeline may be extended based on industry demand and continued community support. Organizations and developers relying on this kernel will benefit from robust security patches and backported updates throughout its lifecycle.
Conclusion
Linux 6.12 LTS sets a new standard for performance and reliability, serving as a critical foundation for systems that require long-term stability. Its adoption across various industries will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and resilience of the Linux ecosystem. For more details and updates on Linux kernel releases, visit kernel.org.
