Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed "Plucky Puffin," is set to bring a host of exciting new features and improvements to Canonical's popular Linux distribution. As the 42nd Ubuntu release approaches, users can look forward to significant performance enhancements, UI refinements, and cutting-edge software updates. With the beta version now available for testing, let's explore what this non-LTS release has in store and when you can get your hands on the final version.
Release Date and Development Timeline
Ubuntu 25.04 "Plucky Puffin" is officially scheduled for release on April 17th, 2025. This interim release will be supported with software and security updates for nine months, until January 2026. The beta version was released on March 27th, 2025, giving users an early opportunity to test the upcoming features.
According to the published release schedule, the development cycle included two optional Ubuntu Testing Weeks on December 19th, 2024, and February 27th, 2025. The Feature Freeze stage was set for February 20th, 2025, while the Kernel Freeze and Final Freeze stages were scheduled for April 3rd and April 10th, respectively.
Performance and Core System Improvements
Linux Kernel 6.14
Ubuntu 25.04 will ship with Linux kernel 6.14, bringing numerous improvements to hardware support, energy efficiency, and security. The kernel update also enhances frame rates for Windows games running through Wine, making Ubuntu more appealing for gamers.
Compiler Optimization Upgrade
One of the most significant under-the-hood changes is the replacement of -O2 compiler optimizations with -O3 for AMD64 systems. This change is expected to boost the execution speed of applications across the board, delivering a noticeable performance improvement.
Updated Toolchain
The Plucky Puffin will come with updated development tools, including Python 3.13, GCC 14, LLVM 19, and support for multiple Java, Go, and Rust versions. This refreshed toolchain ensures developers have access to the latest programming language features and optimizations.
GNOME 48 Desktop Environment
Notification Grouping
GNOME 48 brings an improved notification system that groups multiple alerts from the same application into a single stack. This helps minimize visual clutter and makes it easier to manage notifications from apps, CLI tools, and system processes.
Digital Wellbeing Controls
A new Wellbeing panel provides tools to help users monitor and manage their screen time. Features include daily screen limits, screen time tracking, and reminders to take breaks, promoting healthier computing habits.
Battery Health Preservation
For laptop users, GNOME 48 introduces a new Preserve Battery Health mode designed to prolong battery capacity over time.
Additional GNOME Enhancements
Other notable improvements in GNOME 48 include:
- New windows are centered by default
- Support for apps to register global shortcuts
- OSD prompt when connecting headphones
- Refined on-screen keyboard visuals
- Up to 5x faster loading of directories in the Nautilus file manager
User Experience Improvements
Ubuntu Installer Refinements
The Flutter-based OS installer has been enhanced to provide a better experience for users setting up dual-boot systems. The updates offer explicit guidance about existing operating systems on the device and streamline the installation process for existing Ubuntu installations.
The installer has been refined to handle advanced partitioning and encryption better, with improved support for BitLocker-enabled Windows installations. This makes installing Ubuntu alongside other operating systems less intimidating and more reassuring.
HDR Support
Ubuntu 25.04 introduces support for HDR displays, although the feature isn't enabled by default. Users can toggle HDR in the display settings when an HDR-compatible monitor is connected, allowing supported applications to display properly.
New Document Viewer: Papers
The default document viewer has changed from Evince to Papers. The new application features modern technologies while retaining basic PDF handling capabilities. Power users can still install Evince if they prefer its more comprehensive features.
Visual Enhancements
The Yaru icon theme has received adjustments to fix proportions of various icons, and there are new wallpapers reflecting the release mascot, the puffin. The startup sound is now disabled by default but can be re-enabled by users who prefer it.
Networking and Hardware Support
Updated NetworkManager
Ubuntu 25.04 ships with NetworkManager 1.52, which enhances IPv6 support and introduces new options for configuring network addresses. The update also adds support for DNS over TLS (DoT) and Oracle Cloud configurations.
BeaconDB Location Service
To replace Mozilla's discontinued geolocation service, Ubuntu 25.04 will utilize the BeaconDB service for location-based features like Night Light and timezone detection.
NVIDIA Dynamic Boost
The new release adds native support for NVIDIA Dynamic Boost on compatible laptops. This power management feature allocates system resources dynamically, redistributing power between the CPU and GPU during intensive workloads, potentially improving performance for GPU-intensive applications and games.
Unified ARM Image
Canonical's engineers have simplified Ubuntu support for ARM laptops by introducing a new, unified ARM ISO. This image includes support for several popular ARM laptops, including those powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. However, Raspberry Pi owners should continue to use the preinstalled image specific to their device.
Security Enhancements
Ubuntu 25.04 includes several security improvements, such as enhanced encryption, better handling of Windows BitLocker-encrypted disks, a redesigned Security Center Dashboard for firewall, updates, and vulnerability management, and the addition of Chrony for encrypted time sync.
Beta Testing Now Available
The Ubuntu 25.04 beta was released on March 27th, 2025, allowing users to test the new features and report any bugs before the final release. Testing the beta version helps ensure that hardware compatibility issues and other bugs can be addressed before the stable release.
Testers should be aware that the beta ISO exceeds 6 GB in size, which is larger than previous releases. As this is a beta version, it's recommended for testing purposes rather than production environments.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 25.04 "Plucky Puffin" promises to be a feature-rich release with significant improvements across the board. From performance enhancements with the -O3 optimization and Linux kernel 6.14 to the refined user experience with GNOME 48 and improved hardware support, there's much to look forward to in this interim release.
Mark your calendars for April 17th, 2025, when the final version of
Ubuntu 25.04 will be available. In the meantime, those eager to explore
the new features can download the beta version for testing.