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LINUX NEWS
Ubuntu 26.10 Switches to the Linux 7.3 Kernel
Canonical has moved Ubuntu 26.10 “Stonking Stingray” from the previously planned Linux 7.2 kernel to the newer Linux 7.3 kernel.
Product: Ubuntu 26.10
Kernel: Linux 7.3
Release: October 15, 2026
Ubuntu 26.10 is getting a newer Linux kernel than originally planned. Canonical has updated the kernel target for its upcoming interim release, moving from Linux 7.2 to Linux 7.3.
The change follows the upstream Linux development cycle progressing without the delays that Canonical had previously anticipated. As a result, Linux 7.3 is now expected to form the kernel foundation of Ubuntu 26.10.
Ubuntu 26.10 was initially targeting Linux 7.2. Canonical has now switched the target to Linux 7.3.
Ubuntu 26.10 at a Glance
| Release | Ubuntu 26.10 “Stonking Stingray” |
| Kernel Target | Linux 7.3 |
| Previous Target | Linux 7.2 |
| Desktop | GNOME 51 |
| Graphics Stack | Mesa 26.2 |
| Final Release | October 15, 2026 |
Why Linux 7.3 Matters
Moving to Linux 7.3 allows Ubuntu 26.10 to incorporate a newer upstream kernel rather than freezing the release around Linux 7.2.
🖥️
New Hardware Support
Newer kernel releases continually improve support for modern processors, laptops, graphics hardware, networking devices and peripherals.
🎮
Graphics Improvements
Linux 7.3 includes ongoing upstream graphics and hardware-driver development that can benefit newer GPU and display configurations.
⚡
Performance Work
Kernel development includes improvements across scheduling, memory, filesystems, networking and processor architectures.
🔐
Security & Fixes
The newer kernel incorporates upstream fixes and ongoing security-related improvements developed during the Linux kernel cycle.
Ubuntu 26.10 Release Timeline
What to Expect From Ubuntu 26.10
Linux 7.3 is not the only change coming to Ubuntu 26.10. The development release is also expected to include several updated components, including GNOME 51 and Mesa 26.2.
Canonical is also working on additional platform and architecture changes as Ubuntu 26.10 approaches its final release.
⚠️ Development Release Notice
Ubuntu 26.10 is still under development. Users testing development builds should expect bugs, package changes and other instability before the final release.
What About Ubuntu 26.04 LTS?
The move to Linux 7.3 applies to the upcoming Ubuntu 26.10 interim release. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS remains the long-term-support release for users who prefer a longer support lifecycle.
Ubuntu 26.10 is aimed more toward users who want newer software, hardware support and the latest Ubuntu development stack.
The Bottom Line
Ubuntu 26.10 Is Moving to Linux 7.3
Canonical has changed the Ubuntu 26.10 kernel target from Linux 7.2 to Linux 7.3. The newer kernel brings the latest upstream development, including continued hardware, graphics, performance and security work.
Source
Original report: Phoronix — Ubuntu 26.10 Switches To The Linux 7.3 Kernel
Additional information: Ubuntu / Canonical
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