Ubuntu has long been one of the most trusted Linux distributions for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. Every two years, Canonical releases a Long-Term Support (LTS) version that focuses on stability, performance, and long-term reliability. The upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is already generating a lot of interest among developers, system administrators, and Linux enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll explore the expected release date of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, its codename, and the most important new features and improvements you can expect from this long-term release.
What Is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a free, open-source Linux operating system developed and maintained by Canonical. It is built on Debian and designed to be easy to use, secure, and reliable for everyone, from beginners to enterprise users.
Ubuntu is widely used across:
- Personal desktops and laptops: Ubuntu offers a stable, user-friendly desktop experience suitable for everyday computing.
- Web servers and cloud infrastructure: It is a popular choice for hosting websites, applications, and cloud services.
- Development environments: Developers rely on Ubuntu for its strong tooling, package availability, and flexibility.
- Enterprise and production systems: Businesses use Ubuntu for long-term reliability and security in critical workloads.
One of Ubuntu’s biggest strengths is its Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, which provide stability and security updates for several years. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS continues this tradition while introducing modern improvements under the hood.
What Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS?
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is the next Long-Term Support version of Ubuntu, following Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Like other LTS releases, it is designed for users who prefer a stable operating system with fewer disruptive changes and long-term updates.
An LTS release is especially popular for:
- Production servers: LTS versions provide long-term stability with fewer breaking changes.
- Enterprise environments: Organizations benefit from predictable updates and extended security support.
- Developers working on long-term projects: LTS releases ensure a consistent platform throughout the project lifecycle.
- Users who don’t want frequent OS upgrades: Ideal for those who prefer stability over constant updates.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will receive five years of official security and maintenance updates, with optional extended support available through Ubuntu Pro.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Release Timeline
The Ubuntu development process follows a well-defined schedule to ensure stability, quality, and long-term reliability. Each milestone plays an important role in preparing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for its final release.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Development Schedule
Understanding the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Release Stages
Ubuntu’s release timeline is designed to balance innovation with reliability. Here’s how each stage contributes to a stable LTS release:
- Feature Lock ensures that the system stops evolving in big ways and instead focuses on stability.
- UI Freeze helps maintain a consistent look and feel across the desktop experience.
- Kernel Feature Lock and Freeze reduce the risk of low-level system issues close to release.
- Beta Release allows the community to test real-world use cases and report bugs.
- Release Candidate is essentially the final version, pending any critical fixes.
- Stable Release marks the official availability of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for all users.
This structured approach is one of the key reasons Ubuntu LTS versions are trusted for production systems, servers, and long-term deployments.
Please note that the release timeline may change as development continues, though the final release date is expected to remain unchanged.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Codename
Ubuntu versions use a fun and memorable naming scheme made of an adjective and an animal, both starting with the same letter. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is expected to carry the codename Resolute Raccoon, based on Canonical’s established naming patterns and early development references.
The word Resolute reflects stability and determination, which aligns well with the goals of an LTS release, while Raccoon continues Ubuntu’s tradition of animal-themed names.
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Top comments (1)
Looking forward to this one. LTS releases are what many of us actually run in production, so stability and long-term support matter more than flashy changes. Curious to see how 26.04 improves performance and tooling for both servers and dev environments.