Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed “Plucky Puffin,” was officially released on April 17, 2025. This interim release brings a host of updates across the core system and its official flavors, catering to both general users and developers.
Ubuntu 25.04: Plucky Puffin
Key Features
- Linux Kernel 6.14: Offers enhanced hardware support, improved energy efficiency, and additional security patches.
- GNOME 48 Desktop Environment: Introduces refined UI responsiveness, improved workflow, and a new Wellbeing tracker to help manage screen time.
- Wayland Display Server: Continues as the default, delivering smoother graphics rendering and better support for high-DPI displays.
- Installer Enhancements: Improved dual-boot experience, especially with BitLocker-encrypted Windows partitions, and better handling of disk encryption.
- Systemd v257.4: Updated init system with vital upstream changes, including the removal of some legacy functionalities.
- Compiler Optimization: Switch to -O3 compiler optimizations, promising a boost in app execution speeds.
- Security Improvements: Enhanced encryption, a redesigned Security Center Dashboard, and the addition of Chrony for encrypted time synchronization.
- Application Updates: Includes Firefox 137, LibreOffice 25.2, Thunderbird 128, and GIMP 3.0.
Official Ubuntu Flavors
In addition to the main Ubuntu release, several official flavors have been updated to 25.04, each catering to different user preferences:
- Kubuntu 25.04: Features the KDE Plasma 6 desktop environment, offering a modern and customizable user interface.
- Lubuntu 25.04: Utilizes the LXQt desktop, designed for users seeking a lightweight and efficient system.
- Ubuntu Budgie 25.04: Provides a unique and elegant user experience with the Budgie desktop environment.
- Ubuntu Kylin 25.04: Tailored for Chinese users, featuring the UKUI desktop environment and localized applications.
- Ubuntu MATE 25.04: Offers a classic desktop experience with the MATE desktop environment, suitable for traditional desktop users.
- Ubuntu Studio 25.04: Geared towards creative professionals, it includes a suite of multimedia content creation applications.
- Ubuntu Unity 25.04: Revives the Unity desktop environment, providing a familiar interface for long-time Ubuntu users.
- Xubuntu 25.04: Combines the Xfce desktop environment with Ubuntu, delivering a balance between performance and functionality.
Each flavor inherits the core improvements of Ubuntu 25.04 while offering its unique desktop environment and set of applications. For detailed release notes and download links for each flavor, you can visit the official Ubuntu website or the respective flavor’s homepage.
Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” is a short-term release supported for nine months, until January 2026. Users requiring long-term support are encouraged to use Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, supported until at least 2029.
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