Ubuntu has long been the go-to Linux distro for users who want something that’s easy to use yet powerful under the hood. Backed by Canonical, it’s based on Debian and known for its clean interface, solid performance, and rock-solid security. Whether you’re a casual user or managing enterprise systems, Ubuntu tends to check all the right boxes.
Last year, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS landed with a bang, bringing not only a bunch of new features but also a long-term support promise stretching up to 10 years. That made it the ideal choice for users looking for a stable, long-haul setup.
Then came the October 2024 interim release, a short-term version that’s about to reach its end-of-life in July 2025. But not to worry—Canonical has already rolled out its latest short-term version, Ubuntu 25.04, and it’s packing some exciting new goodies.
🐧 What’s New in Ubuntu 25.04?
Nicknamed “Plucky Puffin”, this version is powered by the latest Linux Kernel 6.14. Since it’s a non-LTS release, support lasts only for nine months, wrapping up in January 2026. But in exchange, you get early access to bleeding-edge features.
Ubuntu 25.04 ships with GNOME 48, and it brings some very welcome upgrades:
- Grouped notifications to keep your desktop less cluttered.
- Smarter Flatpak handling for a smoother app experience.
- Headphone plug-in alerts via on-screen notifications (a small but nice touch).
🌱 New “Wellbeing” Feature
One standout addition is the Wellbeing section in Settings. You can now set screen-time limits, get movement reminders, and even get nudged to blink more often—all in the name of healthier screen habits. It’s a thoughtful feature that adds a bit of wellness to your workflow.
🔋 Smarter Battery Charging
If you’re on a laptop, you’ll love this: You can now limit your battery charge to avoid long-term battery wear. Ubuntu now lets you set thresholds (like stop charging at 80%) using UPower, and these settings automatically apply at boot. It’s a subtle but powerful addition for prolonging battery life.
🎨 A Touch of Visual Freshness
New release, new wallpaper collection—and Ubuntu 25.04 doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to the community-driven wallpaper competition, you’ll find fresh visuals from photography, abstract art, and of course, the iconic puffin mascot.
You’ll also spot improved app icons, smoother theming, and better color consistency that plays nicely with GNOME’s accent color system. The whole desktop feels more polished and cohesive.
🔧 App & Tooling Upgrades
Expect newer versions of essential apps and developer tools:
- LibreOffice 25.2.2
- Thunderbird 128.0
- VLC 3.0.21
- GIMP 3.0
- Binutils 2.44
- Systemd 257.4
That’s just scratching the surface—there are many under-the-hood improvements too.
🛠️ Other Notable Tweaks
Here’s a quick list of other enhancements you might appreciate:
- Papers is now the default document viewer.
- NVIDIA Dynamic Boost is enabled out of the box.
- Improved smart card handling in Firefox Snap.
- Better ARM64 hardware support.
- New WSL image for Microsoft’s tar-based architecture.
Want every last detail? Canonical’s official release notes have you covered.
📦 Ready to Try Ubuntu 25.04?
You can download the latest ISO from Ubuntu’s official site or browse the alternate images from the releases page.
If you’re currently using an LTS version like 24.04, there’s no pressure to switch—LTS is still the king of stability. But if you’re curious or currently on 24.10, 25.04 might be just the fresh upgrade you’re looking for. Don’t forget to check out our guide on how to upgrade safely!