Ubuntu’s release history has always followed an easy-to-remember naming rule: the first two letters represent the month of release (April) and the last two digits represent the year. Following this tradition, Ubuntu 24.04 is expected to be released in April 2024.
Top 8 new features in Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat)
1. Improved hardware support in Ubuntu 24.04:
- Better support for the latest 13th Gen Intel and AMD Ryzen 7000 processors.
- Improve graphics performance with Mesa 22.2, delivering a smoother experience for design and multimedia tasks.
- Better support for CPU and GPU.
- More efficient power management for laptop batteries.
- Additionally, numerous other enhancements have been made.
2. Modern software suite:
Ubuntu 24.04 will ship with an updated software suite, including:
- Desktop environment: GNOME 46 Ubuntu 24.04 with modern and intuitive user interface.
- LibreOffice 24.2 – powerful and versatile office suite.
- Firefox 124 – fast and secure web browser.
- Thunderbird – a reliable email client that supports snap installation .
- Python 3.12 – popular programming language with many useful libraries.
3. Major Enhancements for Gamers
The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS update increases the virtual memory limit, helping many top games perform better. Previously, this limit was too low, causing some games like Hogwarts Legacy and Payday 2 to not launch. The new version increases this limit to the same level as Fedora and Pop!_OS , significantly improving the gaming experience on Ubuntu.
4. ZFS as default file system:
Ubuntu 24.04 will likely switch to ZFS as the default filesystem. ZFS is known for its data integrity features such as self-healing and snapshot capabilities, providing superior data protection compared to traditional file systems.
5. New Linux kernel version
The new release of Ubuntu 24.04 will ship with version 6.7 or 6.8 of the Linux kernel. This means better support for CPUs and GPUs, better power management for laptop batteries, and more improvements.
6. New icon for App Center
Ubuntu 24.04 daily builds have received a new icon for App Center .
It’s a slightly redesigned shopping bag icon compared to the previous icon. No official reason for the change was given, but it seems to fit the overall user interface better.
7. Enhance security:
Ubuntu has always focused on security and Ubuntu 24.04 is no exception. The operating system will come with updated software packages and components, providing increased security for users.
8. Long-term support (LTS):
Like previous LTS versions, Ubuntu 24.04 will be supported for at least five years, ensuring users receive regular security patches and software updates. This makes Ubuntu 24.04 a great choice for personal desktops, servers, and mission-critical applications.
Milestones and version information
- UI finalization: March 21, 2024
- Interface elements are locked to allow for polishing and bug fixes.
- Ubuntu 24.04 Beta: April 4, 2024
- The beta version will be available for testing purposes, giving you a preview of what’s to come.
- Kernel version finalization: April 11, 2024
- This marks the deadline for any kernel updates, ensuring stability for the final release.
- Final release: April 25, 2024
- Official launch date when Ubuntu “Noble Numbat” launches.
Ubuntu uses a version numbering system that reflects the year and month of release. Therefore, it is scheduled for release in April 2024. Daily builds will also be available for users who want to test and provide feedback on ongoing developments.
Details on shelf life and maintenance
- End of support (EOL): April 2029. This is the official release date for support and updates.
- Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will provide five years of long-term support (LTS) for users and an additional five years of extended support for organizations enrolled in Extended Security Maintenance (ESM). Such long-term support releases are important for users who require consistent and reliable updates over the long term.
Ubuntu 24.04 is an LTS update that promises many improvements for users, including better hardware support, modern software, a smoother gaming experience, and a secure file system. It is ideal for PCs, servers, and mission-critical applications.
You can download Ubuntu 24.04 from the official website: https://ubuntu.com/download
