Ubuntu 25.10, dubbed ‘Questing Quokka’, brings a slew of significant changes and new features set to enhance user experience and bolster system security. Released on October 9, 2025, this non-LTS version lays the groundwork for the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
The release mandates Wayland sessions as the default for both GNOME and KDE environments, marking the removal of X11 support, though Xwayland compatibility remains. In a major shift, Ubuntu 25.10 replaces traditional GNU core utilities with Rust-based alternatives, aiming to improve memory safety and performance. Sudo has been supplanted by a Rust-based version, sudo-rs, contributing to the drive towards a more secure operating system.
Visually, GNOME 49 leads the charge with updated file manager and lock screen controls, alongside refinements to the Yaru theme. The inclusion of new default applications, such as the Loop image viewer and Ptyxis terminal, modernizes user interaction. Notable system enhancements include TPM-backed full disk encryption with improved recovery key management, and the adoption of Dracut for initramfs operations.
Network time synchronization is now more secure, with Chrony implementing Network Time Security by default. Additionally, Ubuntu 25.10 introduces A/B booting capabilities for Raspberry Pi, enhancing reliability and recovery options.
Despite these advancements, users should be aware of a critical bug affecting Flatpak due to AppArmor’s interaction with fusermount3, although a workaround is available. The release also supports nested virtualization on ARM platforms and introduces support for Intel TDX host for confidential computing.
Canonical’s latest offering runs on the Linux kernel 6.17 and benefits from updated graphics drivers through Mesa 25.2.x. Security features are further expanded with Secure Boot support on ARM64 Snapdragon laptops, aligning with broader market demands.
Ubuntu 25.10 will receive support until July 2026, offering an upgrade path to the anticipated Ubuntu 26.04 LTS to ensure continuity and access to the latest innovations in software development. This iteration also keeps pace with developer needs through updates to toolchains, including OpenJDK 25, Python 3.14 RC3, Golang 1.25, GCC 15, and Rust 1.85.
Finally, the release addresses accessibility, enhancing features to align with the European Accessibility Act, ensuring that Ubuntu remains an inclusive platform for users of all abilities.

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Ubuntu 25.10 'Questing Quokka' introduces major architectural changes including mandatory Wayland sessions, Rust-based core utilities replacing GNU tools, and sudo-rs replacing traditional sudo. The release features GNOME 49, TPM-backed full disk encryption, Network Time Security in Chrony, and A/B booting for Raspberry Pi. Running on Linux kernel 6.17 with updated toolchains (OpenJDK 25, Python 3.14 RC3, Golang 1.25, GCC 15, Rust 1.85), it emphasizes memory safety and security improvements. Support extends until July 2026 with an upgrade path to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.

Ubuntu 25.10: Key Features and Upgrades Announced

as a Dev i was always fond of Ubuntu for it’s stability and LTS support. However with all this Rust-Ports and the drop of X11 purely based on woke ideology madness i am probably not continue to use anything Gnome or Canonical related … I don’t think it is sustainable to have development convoluted with activism and hypes for immature technologies

Does it have full HDR support? I almost moved to Bazzite, but it could not handle my primary monitor.

The only thing that I don’t understand is that the support for X11 was removed. What does this mean? How much of a range of applications are we talking about or is the most of them (X)Wayland anyways? Thanks for anyone who provides me a little clarity.