Canonical confirms that the next Ubuntu version, codenamed “Questing Quokka”, will include the latest Linux kernel, even if it is still in Release Candidate status.
The Canonical team has officially announced that Ubuntu 25.10, named “Questing Quokka”, will be released in October 2025 with Linux kernel 6.17 at its core. This decision follows the distribution’s new policy, introduced with Ubuntu 24.10, which prioritizes integrating the most recent upstream kernel available at feature freeze, even if it has not yet reached stable status.
According to the current schedule, kernel 6.17 is expected to be released by Linus Torvalds on October 12, 2025, just three days after Ubuntu 25.10’s official release date, which is set for October 9. Nevertheless, Canonical is committed to updating the system with patches and updates to include the latest fixes and improvements as soon as the kernel reaches its stable version.
A Strategic Shift in Canonical’s Policy
Until recently, Ubuntu would select the latest stable kernel available at the start of the development cycle. However, this meant that by the time a new Ubuntu release was published, a newer kernel was already available, limiting hardware support and new features. Now, Canonical is committed to always delivering the latest kernel, even if it is still in Release Candidate (RC) status at release time.
Kleber Souza, a prominent member of the Ubuntu Kernel Team, explained that this approach has proven effective in delivering the latest features and the best hardware support to users, reaffirming the company’s commitment to this strategy for Ubuntu 25.10.
Key Dates for Ubuntu 25.10 Development
The development roadmap for Ubuntu 25.10 includes the following milestones:
- September 11, 2025: Kernel Feature Freeze
- September 15, 2025: Beta Freeze and HWE Freeze
- September 25, 2025: Kernel Freeze
- October 2, 2025: Final Freeze
- October 9, 2025: Final Release
With this schedule, Canonical ensures that it can integrate kernel 6.17 even if, at launch, it is not yet officially stable, trusting that any subsequent updates can be quickly applied through the system repositories.
More Than Just the Kernel
While it is still too early to detail all the new features that Linux kernel 6.17 will bring, some changes planned for Ubuntu 25.10 are already known. Among them are expanded support for disk encryption, the integration of the GNOME 49 desktop, and new terminal and image viewer applications.
This approach positions Ubuntu as one of the most cutting-edge distributions, prioritizing both technological innovation and compatibility with the latest hardware. Developers and users are encouraged to participate actively in the testing phase and to share their feedback through official channels such as the Ubuntu Kernel mailing list, Ubuntu Discourse, and Launchpad bug reports.
A Commitment to Continuous Updates
Canonical’s strategy of adopting the latest kernel, even in Release Candidate status, reinforces Ubuntu’s position as a preferred platform for those seeking immediate access to the latest Linux technologies. Regular updates ensure that any potential bugs or stability issues discovered after launch can be quickly addressed, providing users with a secure and leading-edge experience.
In summary, Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” promises to be an especially interesting release for those eager to explore the latest in the Linux ecosystem, consolidating Canonical’s commitment to modernity, next-generation hardware support, and ongoing innovation.
Source: Foros ubuntu
