Ubuntu has unveiled the default wallpaper that will grace millions of screens in the upcoming 26.04 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ release.
As is tradition, the new desktop background features mascot artwork in the middle of a rich purple gradient. The mascot art looked great in isolation, but here, against the backdrop, it looks even better. A real focal point (to namecheck a former LTS).
However, there is one way in which the new design deviates heavily from the past seven wallpapers: the framing.
TheUbuntu 22.04 LTS wallpaper introduced sharp, diagonal geometric planes in the corners to add a sense of depth. They’ve been modified but present ever since. Here, the Raccoon (in its sunburst) is encased within sweeping rounded curves.
I find the result softer and more pleasing to look at.
It’s also a major improvement on the Plucky Puffin wallpaper or mascot art (bottom-heavy to my eyes with a low contrast that saw the puffin lost in the dark aubergine background), and on par with the Questing Quokka (stylised and cute, but a little busy).
Ubuntu 26.04 wallpaper opts for a balanced and higher-contrast mascot motif against a lighter purple gradient. The result is more effective: the mascot art pops, feels balanced and the circular framing focuses attention.
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 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 a Resolute daily build? 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.