Distro News

Ubuntu 26.10 "Stonking Stingray" integrates Rust-based core utilities

Key Takeaway

Ubuntu 26.10 introduces significant Rust-based replacements for core utilities and OpenPGP tools.

Summary

The interim Ubuntu 26.10 release, codenamed "Stonking Stingray," features a heavy shift toward Rust, including the adoption of uutils for core commands like cp, mv, and rm. It ships with Linux kernel 7.3, GNOME 51, and NVIDIA 615 drivers. This release provides support for Snapdragon X2 Elite hardware and official RVA23 support for RISC-V platforms.

Technical updates in Ubuntu 26.10

  • Rust Integration: Core utilities (cp, mv, rm) now use uutils; Sequoia PGP (sq/sqv) is added alongside GnuPG.
  • Kernel & Hardware: Linux 7.3 adds support for Snapdragon X2 Elite and includes VRAM overcommit improvements for better gaming performance.
  • Graphics: Moves to NVIDIA 615 series, shipping only open kernel modules for Turing and newer GPUs.
  • RISC-V: Official RVA23 support for SpacemiT K3 and SiFive BigSky.
  • Toolchain: Includes GCC 15.2.0, LLVM 22.1.8, Python 3.14.7, Rust 1.97.1, Go 1.27, and OpenJDK 25.0.4.

Why it matters

The release accelerates the 'oxidation' of the Ubuntu ecosystem by replacing legacy GNU tools with Rust implementations and expanding RISC-V support.

Original reference: feed.itsfoss.com →