Linux kernel developers are moving to retire the x32 ABI, a feature introduced in Linux 3.4 (2012) that allowed x86_64 processors to use 64-bit registers while keeping 32-bit pointers for smaller memory footprints. The ABI never gained widespread adoption, and both Debian and Fedora have already disabled it by default due to security concerns about increased attack surface. Developer Sebastian Andrzej Siewior has proposed removing it, noting it also blocks 40 potential new syscall numbers. With no objections raised, the x32 ABI could be fully removed from the Linux kernel by August 2026.
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