Ubuntu has unveiled the default wallpaper that will grace millions of screen in the upcoming 26.06 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ release.
As is tradition, the new desktop background features mascot artwork in the middle of a rich purple gradient. I shared the official mascot art with you a week ago. I though it looked great in isolation but here, sat against its gradient backdrop, it looks even better.
One way the new design does deviate heavily from the past five wallpapers is in how it’s framed.
Here, the Raccoon (in its circular sunburst) is surrounded by curved shapes. Previous wallpapers have used sharp, diagonal geometric planes. While the angular folds created a folded paper effect, the rounded sweep here is softer and more pleasing.
In general, I was never a fan of the Plucky Puffin wallpaper or its mascot art. While conceptually great, it felt a little bottom-heavy (to my eyes) to serve as a ‘center piece’ focal point. The low contrast didn’t help either, as the puffin was lost in the dark aubergine background.
Thankfully, the Ubuntu 26.04 wallpaper opts for a balanced and higher-contrast mascot motif against a lighter purple gradient. The result is far more effective: the mascot art pops, feels balanced and the circular framing really focuses attention on it.
Download the new wallpaper now
Look out for the new background in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS when it’s released on April 23, 2026, where it’ll be be available in other colour variants (above). If you’re not a fan, don’t worry: a fresh set of community-sourced backgrounds will also be available on disc.
Running resolute daily builds? You’ll receive the new background in the coming week. Don’t want to wait? You can download high-resolution versions from Google Drive right now.