Canonical announces the new interim version of Ubuntu with significant advancements for developers, desktop users, and businesses investing in artificial intelligence and confidential computing.
Canonical today announced the official release of Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed Plucky Puffin. The new version is now available for download at ubuntu.com/download, featuring a combination of performance improvements, new tools for developers, expanded hardware support, and significant advancements in confidential computing and AI workloads.
A smoother GNOME 48 focused on user well-being
Ubuntu 25.04 incorporates the latest version of the GNOME 48 desktop environment, which brings improvements such as support for HDR, optimized triple buffering—developed by Canonical and now part of the upstream GNOME project—and new digital well-being tools like the screen time panel and battery health preservation mode.
Additionally, Plucky Puffin introduces a new default PDF reader: Papers, a more modern, faster application with a better user experience than its predecessor.
Improvements for developers: new toolchains and devpacks
One of the cornerstones of this release is its focus on software development. Ubuntu 25.04 includes updated versions of languages and toolchains such as Python, Go, Rust, .NET, LLVM, OpenJDK, and GCC, and offers early access to OpenJDK 24/25 and GCC 15.
The major new feature is the introduction of “devpacks”, snap packages that group development tools. The first is devpack-for-spring, which simplifies working with the latest projects from Spring Framework and Spring Boot (versions 6.1, 6.2, and 3.3/3.4, respectively).
Linux kernel 6.14 and an improved installation experience
The distribution is based on the Linux kernel 6.14, which adds important features such as sched_ext, a system that enables policy scheduling implementation in eBPF, and a new NTSYNC driver that enhances the performance of Windows games on Wine and Steam Play.
Regarding installation, the experience has been refined for machines with other operating systems already installed, including better integration with Windows with BitLocker and new encryption and advanced partitioning options.
Hardware and performance: from ARM64 to Intel and AMD
Canonical continues to expand compatibility with emerging architectures. Ubuntu 25.04 offers a new ISO image for ARM64, designed to simplify installation on ARM laptops and virtual machines, in collaboration with Qualcomm and its Snapdragon line.
It also introduces full support for the Intel Core Ultra 200V series and Intel Arc “Battlemage” GPUs, enabling improvements in graphics performance and ray tracing acceleration, in addition to hardware video encoding for formats like AVC, JPEG, HEVC, and AV1.
Enterprise security: confidential computing for on-premise environments
Canonical continues to lead the adoption of confidential computing, a technology that protects workloads even against privileged system software. Ubuntu was the first Linux distribution to offer native support for AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX in the cloud, and now extends this capability to on-premise environments.
Thanks to QEMU 9.2, Ubuntu 25.04 allows the use of AMD SEV-SNP on the host, making it possible to implement confidential virtual machines in private data centers, with Ubuntu serving as the operating system for both the host and the guest.
Other notable enhancements
- A new geolocation provider BeaconDB following the discontinuation of the Mozilla service.
- Compatibility with WPA-PSK-SHA256 Wi-Fi networks and new routing policies in NetworkManager.
- Improvements in Netplan and systemd-networkd for more reliable connectivity detection.
- bpftools and linux-perf tools decoupled from the kernel for easier use in containers.
Should I upgrade now?
Canonical recommends Ubuntu 25.04 for advanced users and early adopters who wish to experience the latest features. For production environments or more conservative users, the recommendation remains Ubuntu 24.10.2.1 until the new version matures further.
Conclusion
With Plucky Puffin, Canonical reinforces its commitment to innovation in the Linux ecosystem, focusing on both user experience and the needs of developers and businesses. Its emphasis on modern tools, graphics performance, and AI security solidifies it as one of the most ambitious interim releases to date.