Ubuntu's Next Version, Quertulo 25.10, to Release with Exciting New Features
Ubuntu has announced the release of its upcoming interim version, Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed "Questing Quokka". This release brings a host of exciting changes and improvements, making it a significant step forward for the popular Linux distribution.
Canonical, the organisation behind Ubuntu, has made several noteworthy additions to the desktop and server editions of Ubuntu 25.10.
On the desktop side, Ubuntu 25.10 introduces Ptyxis as the default terminal emulator, replacing GNOME Terminal. Built with GTK4 and libAdwaita, Ptyxis emphasises container integration with tools like Podman, Distrobox, and Toolbx. It also includes a built-in terminal inspector for debugging terminal-based applications.
The new release also sees Loupe take over as the default image viewer, replacing Eye of GNOME. Loupe offers GPU-accelerated rendering, sandboxed image decoding, and broad format support.
Ubuntu 25.10 will run GNOME on Wayland by default, removing the X11 session entirely. This shift aims to provide a more modern and efficient user experience.
In terms of security, Ubuntu 25.10 replaces the traditional sudo with sudo-rs, a Rust-based implementation designed for improved security and memory safety. The release also adds upgrades to the experimental TPM-backed full-disk encryption in its installer.
ARM64 systems in Ubuntu 25.10 now include the minimal UEFI boot stub "stubble" to improve boot reliability and hardware compatibility. For Raspberry Pi users, a "tryboot" system has been introduced, checking boot files and automatically falling back if something goes wrong, making the boot process more reliable.
On the server side, Ubuntu Server 25.10 sees debconf replaced with debconf2, offering similar functionality while simplifying server installations.
Storage and file systems receive significant updates. Bcachefs gains faster snapshot deletion, improved device removal, and stronger self-healing, while XFS adds atomic write support.
Ubuntu 25.10 ships with Linux kernel 6.16, which brings improved CPU support, including AMD SEV vTPM and Intel TDX host support, and better power and thermal monitoring for AMD CPUs. Linux kernel 6.16 also adds support for NVIDIA Hopper and Blackwell GPUs through the open source nouveau driver.
Canonical has also introduced Ubuntu Insights as a new consent-based tool for collecting non-PII system metrics, replacing the older Ubuntu Report. Additionally, accessibility improvements continue, preparing the desktop for European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance and better usability for all users.
It's worth noting that Ubuntu 25.10 is not a long-term support (LTS) release. The release schedule includes Feature Freeze on August 14, User Interface Freeze on September 4, Kernel Feature Freeze on September 11, Beta Release on September 18, Release Candidate on October 2, and Final Release on October 9.
Lastly, Canonical plans a fully functional RISC-V desktop session for Ubuntu 25.10, marking another significant step forward in the distribution's commitment to open hardware.
With these exciting changes, Ubuntu 25.10 promises to deliver a more secure, efficient, and accessible user experience, making it an exciting prospect for both new and seasoned Ubuntu users alike.
