NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" released
Key Takeaway
NixOS 26.05 introduces systemd-based initrd by default and marks the final support for x86_64-darwin.
Summary
The NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" release is now available, bringing significant updates to the package repository and system modules. Key changes include a shift to systemd for Stage 1 (initrd) and the update of GNOME to version 50. This release also serves as the final version to support x86_64-darwin.
Technical changes in NixOS 26.05
- Stage 1 (initrd) is now based on systemd by default; the legacy scripted implementation is deprecated and slated for removal in 26.11.
- GNOME 50 "Tokyo" is included, featuring improved display handling and accessibility.
- GCC 15 and LLVM 21 are the current compiler versions.
- x86_64-darwin support is being phased out; binaries will be maintained until the end of 2026, but Nixpkgs 26.11 will drop support entirely.
- Nixpkgs updates: 20,442 new packages added, 20,641 existing packages updated, and 17,532 outdated packages removed.
Why it matters
The transition to systemd for initrd and the deprecation of x86_64-darwin represent significant shifts in the distribution's architecture and platform compatibility.
Original reference: nixos.org →