# 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.

**Published:** 2026-05-30T07:00:00+00:00 
**Source:** NixOS Release & Security Blog 
**Category:** distro-news 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/nixos-release-security-nixos-2605-released.html 

## 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- **Nixpkgs** updates: 20,442 new packages added, 20,641 existing packages updated, and 17,532 outdated packages removed.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.