Ubuntu 26.10 is getting a newer kernel than planned, as Canonical has switched its target from Linux 7.2 to Linux 7.3.
The rethink is due to the slightly-earlier-than-expected arrival of Linux 7.2 in early August. That was the version the ‘Stonking Stingray’ was slated to ship with by Ubuntu’s engineers.
But as Ubuntu’s kernel selection policy aims to ship the upstream kernel that’s in development during each Ubuntu release, it can mean using a kernel that isn’t yet “stable” – provided that a release candidate build is available at the time of the kernel selection deadline.
Linux 7.3 got its second rc this week, and is on course to become the next mainline (stable) kernel release by the end of October.
As a result, Canonical’s kernel team said it “reassessed” its target kernel for the Ubuntu 26.10 ‘Stonking Stingray’ release and is “stepping up” to make Linux 7.3 its preferred candidate.
“This update keeps us aligned with the latest upstream capabilities, particularly for the latest hardware support, while remaining on track for our upcoming release milestones”, added Canonical’s Kleber Souza.
Ubuntu 26.10 daily builds run on Linux 7.2 at the time of writing, but Souza says team is “working on enabling all Ubuntu-specific features on top of the 7.3-rc1 upstream kernel”. It should be available for testing in the 26.10 daily builds via the -proposed repo soon.
It’s unlikely that Linux 7.3 will have become stable by 15 October, when 26.10 is out, but kernel “release candidates” builds are fairly robust. Any final fixes or changes will arrive through software updates.
Newer isn’t always better, but when it comes to kernel support for newer hardware, better performance and security fixes then, well, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
If you’re on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, you’ll be able to get the same kernel through the next HWE update, due early next year (2027) near the Ubuntu 26.04.2 point release.