Get ready for some exciting updates with the upcoming Linux 6.20 or Linux 7.0 release! The Linux community is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for the next kernel merge window, which will bring a whole host of new features and improvements.
But here's where it gets controversial: the next kernel version could be called Linux 6.20, but Linus Torvalds, the legendary creator of Linux, has a tradition of bumping the major version number after X.19. So, it's highly likely we'll see Linux 7.0 making its debut.
Let's dive into some of the key changes and new features expected to be included in this release:
Graphics Hardware Support: Get ready for enhanced graphics performance with new AMD graphics hardware support, including GFX 12.1.
Compiler Magic: A new compiler-based context and locking analysis feature will optimize your Linux experience.
Laptop Issues: Support for Microsoft's "Turn On Display" ACPI DSM will help address some common laptop problems.
Intel Performance Boost: Intel TSX will be enabled by default on capable CPUs, offering better performance without compromising security.
Custom Boot Logo: You can now easily set a custom boot logo during the Linux kernel boot process, replacing the iconic Tux logo.
HIPPI Retirement: Say goodbye to HIPPI, the near-Gigabit standard for networking supercomputers from the 1990s.
Time Slice Extension: After a decade in development, the time slice extension looks set to finally merge, improving Linux's efficiency.
Resource Management: Revocable Resource Management is expected to be merged, enhancing resource allocation and management.
Container Security: OPENTREENAMESPACE will bring security and performance improvements for containers, ensuring a more robust environment.
Networking Code Adaptation: CAKEMQ will adapt SCHCAKE for modern multi-core systems, optimizing networking code.
Kernel Caching: More Linux kernel caching code will be replaced with Sheaves, hopefully resulting in better performance.
Preemption Models: The focus will be on full and lazy preemption models for modern CPU architectures.
Apple DT Updates: Apple DT updates will enhance USB Type-C port functionality on recent Macs.
Rust and LTO Improvements: Expect improvements for Rust and LTO kernel builds, making Linux even more efficient.
Display Support: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 display support and Intel Nova Lake display support will enhance visual experiences.
Intel GPU Firmware: Intel GPU firmware updates will be available on non-x86 platforms, improving graphics performance.
Temperature Reporting: Expanded temperature reporting for Intel graphics cards will provide more detailed insights.
Intel Xe Driver: The Intel Xe driver will no longer block D3cold for all Battlemage GPUs, limiting blocks to known problematic systems.
Multi-Device SVM: Intel multi-device SVM code is now ready for the Linux 6.20~7.0 kernel, enhancing multi-device support.
Multi-Queue Support: Multi-queue support for Intel Crescent Island will improve networking performance.
Non-Root Support: Non-root support for the intel-speed-select tool will be a welcome addition.
Nouveau DRM Driver: The Nouveau DRM driver will fix large pages support, potentially improving NVK performance.
Uniwill Driver: cTGP support for the Uniwill driver will allow Uniwill/TUXEDO laptops to configure total graphics power.
Sensor Monitoring: Sensor monitoring support will be expanded to more ASUS desktop motherboards.
Fan Control: Fan target and temperature thresholds will be introduced for the Framework 13 laptop, ensuring optimal cooling.
RISC-V Support: RISC-V user-space control flow integrity / shadow stack support will enhance security.
ublk Performance: Batch I/O dispatch for ublk will provide better performance.
IO_uring Polling: IO_uring IOPOLL polling improvements will further enhance performance.
Laptop Speaker Support: LG Gram Style 14 laptop speaker support will be included with the new kernel.
Mount API Code: The old mount API code will be dropped for the Linux block code, streamlining the system.
Audio Interface Support: Focusrite Forte USB audio interface support will be a great addition for audio enthusiasts.
These are just some of the exciting changes on the horizon. Stay tuned for more coverage as we approach the Linux 6.20/7.0 merge window, and get ready to benchmark the new kernel's performance!
And this is the part most people miss: the next kernel version will be a key component of Canonical's default kernel for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. So, Linux enthusiasts, get ready to explore and enjoy these exciting updates!
