Fedora Linux 45 officially released with GNOME 51, KDE Plasma 6.8, and Apple M3 support

The Fedora Project has officially launched Fedora Linux 45, marking a significant milestone across its various spins and editions. The release features major desktop updates, including GNOME 51 with reworked frame scheduling for Fedora Workstation and KDE Plasma 6.8 for the KDE Plasma Desktop Edition.

Beyond desktop environments, the release expands hardware compatibility through the Fedora Asahi Remix 45, which adds out-of-the-box support for Apple M3 silicon. The update also introduces technical shifts in system management, such as native Stratis storage configuration within the Anaconda installer and the retirement of unmaintained NetworkManager VPN plugins.

Technical shifts and infrastructure updates in Fedora 45

• Desktop Environments: Fedora Workstation 45 utilizes GNOME 51's improved frame scheduling, while the KDE spin features Plasma 6.8, coinciding with KDE's 30th anniversary.
• Storage and Installation: The Anaconda installer now provides native support for Stratis storage configuration, allowing for more streamlined advanced local storage management.
• Hardware Enablement: Fedora Asahi Remix 45 introduces support for Apple M3 chips, and community-maintained RISC-V GA images are available for testing.
• Network Management: The unmaintained NetworkManager-vpnc and NetworkManager-fortisslvpn plugins have been officially retired, necessitating a move to supported VPN alternatives.
• Infrastructure Migrations: The Fedora Council is evaluating a transition from Bugzilla to a Forgejo-integrated issue tracker, while FESCo and ELN are coordinating the removal of the legacy DNF4 stack.

Why it matters

The release provides critical updates for users on specialized hardware, particularly Apple Silicon and RISC-V enthusiasts. System administrators must also account for the removal of legacy VPN plugins and the transition away from DNF4 to ensure long-term compatibility and security.