Get ready, Linux enthusiasts! A brand-new kernel, Linux 6.18, has just been unleashed, and it's packed with exciting updates. But that's not all – it's also poised to become this year's Long-Term Support (LTS) kernel, meaning it'll be around for a while.
This release, which was just tagged in Git, brings a host of improvements. We're talking about more Apple Silicon upstreaming, including support for the M2 Pro/Max/Ultra Device Trees. Intel continues its work on the Wildcat Lake platform. There's also the introduction of the new "Sheaves" code, and Nouveau will now rely on the NVIDIA GPU System Processor (GSP) firmware for Ampere and Turing, where available. Plus, XFS online fsck is enabled by default, haptic touchpad support is included, and dm-pcache has been merged, among many other changes.
And this is the part most people miss... Linux 6.18 isn't just about new features; it's also performing well. Initial benchmarks haven't shown any significant regressions compared to the 6.17 version. You can dive deeper into the changes by checking out the Linux 6.18 feature overview. Considering it's the last major kernel release of this year, it's expected to become the 2025 Linux LTS kernel, offering extended support. The exact duration of its LTS status, however, depends on factors like user interest, usage, and support, with the potential for it to be maintained for 5-6 years.
With Linus Torvalds' release of Linux 6.18, the focus now shifts to the Linux 6.19 merge window over the next two weeks. Many notable features and improvements are already lined up for 6.19.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think the LTS kernels are supported for long enough? Do you think the new features are a good thing? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
