Ubuntu 21.10 Released and Finally Includes Gnome 40
The most anticipated update to Ubuntu is finally here and the workflow couldn't be better.
Gnome 40 has been out for some time. For those that have experienced it, you know the new horizontal workflow is a game-changer. With a much-improved ability to interact with and manage workspaces, the open-source desktop makes daily usage considerably easier and more efficient.
Finally, this new workflow arrives in Ubuntu, with the 21.10 iteration.
If you’ve already been working with Gnome 40 on a different distribution, this news is old. But for those who prefer to stick with Canonical’s version of Linux, this upgrade is big. Along with the new horizontal workflow, you’ll also see a new Yaru Light theme, which is now the default. The new theme has light gray header bars to better align with how developers wanted their apps to look all along.
Another interesting/important features include Firefox now installed as a Snap package. This means users should receive updates faster than previous iterations because Mozilla will now have more control over how quickly the updates can be pushed out.
You’ll also find Linux kernel 5.13, which adds more security (such as the addition of the runtime memory error detector, KFENCE), and even more device support.
And, finally, the NVIDIA closed-source driver supports Wayland. This is a big to-do for anyone who uses NVIDIA GPUs and wants to experience the dramatically improved performance Wayland brings over the traditional X server.
Download your copy of Ubuntu 21.10 and experience what’s new. And for more information on Impish Indri, check out the official release notes.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.
-
It’s Time to Test Fedora 45 Beta
Fedora 45 beta has been released with updated Gnome, KDE Plasma, and kernel.
-
Ubuntu Stonking Stingray Gets Even Rustier
Ubuntu 26.10 has completed its migration to the Rust-based coreutils.
-
AI Fixes Linux Bottlenecks Using “Hideous” Code
A Linux developer used AI to fix bottlenecks that caused problems when building the kernel. The resulting AI-generated code needed a lot of work.
-
Advanced Video Coding Still Under Patent
Brazilian patent BRPI0109962B1 has expired, which means that DivX and Xvid are no longer problematic for Linux, but it doesn’t mean that video is all of a sudden fully unleashed.
-
2,000 Vulnerabilities per Linux Release
Thanks to AI bug hunters, the Linux kernel is seeing record numbers of vulnerabilities, and it's overwhelming developers.
-
Linux Exempt from California’s Age Verification Law
So long as Linux is distributed under the GPL, MIT, BSD, and Apache licenses, the OS is exempt from being required to verify the age of its users in California.
