# Mir 2.31 expands Wayland protocol support and shell features

> **Key takeaway:** Mir 2.31 introduces experimental support for foreign buffers, updated decoration protocols, and enhanced shell capabilities.

**Published:** 2026-11-05T12:51:35+00:00 
**Source:** Phoronix Benchmarks & Drivers 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/mir-231-expands-wayland-protocol-support-and-shell-features.html 

## Summary
Canonical has released Mir 2.31, the latest feature update for its C++ library suite used to develop Wayland-based desktop shells. This release focuses on broadening the compositor's compatibility with various Wayland protocols to improve how clients and buffers are handled.

Beyond protocol updates, the release introduces functional improvements to the Mir shell environment. These include new capabilities for the magnifier tool, display configuration data handling, and improved mechanisms for managing input and application authorizations.

## Technical improvements in Mir 2.31
- **Wayland Protocol Expansion:** Adds experimental support for the ext_foreign_buffer_v1 protocol, allowing clients to attach opaque buffers managed by the compositor from image-capture sources.
- **Protocol Version Updates:** Implements support for version 2 of the unstable xdg-decoration protocol and version 2 of the experimental mir_shell_v1 protocol.
- **Shell and UI Enhancements:** Enables free positioning for the magnifier tool and introduces new display configuration data support.
- **Security and Input Management:** Adds new support for handling application authorization and input management within the Mir ecosystem.

## Why it matters
This update is significant for developers building Wayland-based shells and desktop environments, particularly those within the Ubuntu/Canonical ecosystem. The expanded protocol support improves interoperability between clients and compositors, specifically regarding image capture and window decorations.