Ubuntu Core 26 enters public cloud preview on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

Canonical has launched a public preview of Ubuntu Core 26 images for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Based on the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release, this version brings the immutable, transactional architecture of Ubuntu Core—originally designed for IoT and embedded devices—into virtualized cloud environments.

This move targets specialized cloud workloads, managed services, and virtual appliances that require high predictability and automated security. Unlike Ubuntu Server, which uses traditional package management, Ubuntu Core relies on snaps for the kernel, base system, and applications to ensure consistent, rollback-capable updates.

Technical adaptations for cloud environments

• Kernel Packaging: To maintain compatibility with cloud providers, optimized Linux kernels that were previously distributed as DEB packages are now delivered as cloud-specific snaps.
• Agent Confinement: Cloud guest agents have been converted into snaps, requiring them to operate under strict confinement and explicitly declare necessary system interfaces.
• Transactional Updates: The system utilizes a transactional update model, allowing for full rollbacks to prevent system corruption during failed upgrades.
• Immutable Architecture: The underlying operating system is immutable, with all core components and applications maintained as independently updated, confined snaps.

Why it matters

This development allows cloud engineers to deploy highly secure, predictable virtual appliances that benefit from automated security patching and rollback capabilities. It creates a new tier of managed service infrastructure that prioritizes system integrity over the unrestricted customization typical of standard Ubuntu Server deployments.