The Debian Project has officially launched Debian GNU/Linux 13.3, codenamed "Trixie," marking the third point release for its current stable cycle. This update introduces a range of newer packages while specifically addressing critical security vulnerabilities and significant issues reported by users. However, it is important to note that this release does not constitute a new version; rather, it serves as an upgrade to existing packages.

The Debian Project has announced the release of Debian GNU/Linux 12.13, an update for its "oldstable" distribution, Debian 12 (Bookworm). This thirteenth point release focuses primarily on security enhancements and patches for critical packages, addressing recent vulnerabilities without introducing a new version of the Bookworm distribution. Users who have Debian 12 installed can easily upgrade their systems by redirecting their package managers to an updated Debian mirror to obtain the latest software components.

KDE has officially released Frameworks 6.22.0, marking another step in their ongoing commitment to regular updates that enhance system integration and user experience. This release features a variety of improvements across multiple components, ensuring a more polished and efficient software environment.

KDE Gear has officially launched version 25.12.1, marking a significant update that enhances over 180 applications and tools. This release not only includes various library tweaks and plugin enhancements but also addresses multiple issues across key applications such as Dolphin, Kate, Akonadi, and Elisa, among others.

The Liquorix Linux Kernel 6.18-4 has been officially released by Steven Barrett, building on the foundation of the standard Linux Kernel 6.18. This customized kernel is specifically engineered to enhance desktop performance, particularly for multimedia and gaming applications. It incorporates several significant enhancements aimed at improving system responsiveness and efficiency.

KDE neon has launched its latest version, 20260108, providing users with immediate access to the latest KDE Plasma 6.5.4 features. This distribution is rooted in Ubuntu's long-term support (LTS) base, delivering unmodified versions of KDE applications and tools just as their developers intended, without the interference of proprietary driver tweaks or stability-holding patches. This ensures that users experience the newest KDE releases without delay or adjustment periods.

The recent releases of the Linux Kernel, versions 6.18.4 and 6.12.64, emphasize continued improvements in stability and reliability for users. Version 6.18.4 addresses multiple concerns, notably reversing a previous change that had adversely affected certain laptops, like the Dell XPS13, due to issues with label-based GPIO lookups. This rollback reflects the community's responsiveness to user feedback and their commitment to maintaining system stability.

Ubuntu 25.04, also known as Plucky Puffin, is set to reach its end of life on January 15, 2026. This date signifies the cessation of all updates and support services for this version, including vital security patches and bug fixes that are essential for maintaining system integrity and security. Users still operating on Ubuntu 25.04 are strongly encouraged to upgrade to Ubuntu 25.10, which is the latest supported version, to ensure they benefit from ongoing stability and security enhancements.

The Release Candidate versions of PHP 8.3.30RC1, 8.4.17RC1, and 8.5.2RC1 have been released for testing on Fedora and Enterprise Linux distributions such as RHEL, CentOS, Alma, and Rocky. This release allows users to experiment with new features without disrupting their current environments, as these versions can be installed as separate software collections (SCL).

Manjaro Linux 26.0, named Anh-Linh, has officially launched, offering users an upgraded experience with an updated Plasma desktop environment (version 6.5) and GNOME 49. This release significantly enhances graphics performance with a new Mesa driver (version 25.3.1) and Vulkan SDK (1.4.328.1), which are advantageous for gaming and creative tasks.

The Liquorix Linux kernel version 6.18-3 has been officially released by Steven Barrett, aiming to enhance desktop performance for multimedia and gaming applications. This custom kernel builds on the standard Linux Kernel but incorporates a variety of optimizations focused on responsiveness and efficiency, particularly in demanding scenarios like gaming.

Bazaar version 0.7.2 has been officially released, addressing a significant issue that affected users on KDE Plasma regarding the new Bazaar icon. This update is particularly important for enhancing the user experience on this platform. In addition to fixing the icon rendering issue, the release includes an updated Polish translation, which helps improve the app’s accessibility for Polish-speaking users and supports its international reach.

Bazaar has launched version 0.7.1 of its App Store software for Flatpak, introducing a range of significant enhancements to both its interface and functionality. Notable changes include the introduction of a new market stall icon, a cleaner look following the removal of Flathub branding, and the implementation of horizontal designs for Pride flags in relevant contexts.

PikaOS has officially launched version 26.01.02, which includes the Linux Kernel 6.18.3 and various enhancements aimed at optimizing performance for both gaming and daily activities. This distribution, built on Debian GNU/Linux, utilizes custom-compiled packages to maximize application efficiency. PikaOS stands out by offering four distinct editions: GNOME, KDE, Hyprland, and Niri, catering to diverse user preferences from traditional desktop experiences to modern tiling environments. Users can easily download standard or NVIDIA-specific ISOs from the official website for a hassle-free installation process.

The fourth release candidate for Manjaro Linux 26.0, dubbed Anh-Linh RC4, has officially launched, showcasing a range of enhancements. Key updates include a refreshed Plasma desktop environment (version 6.5) and GNOME (version 49), both providing users with modern and versatile interface options. The graphics performance sees significant upgrades with the Mesa driver now at version 25.3.1 and the Vulkan SDK updated to 1.4.328.1, making it ideal for gaming and creative applications.

Devuan GNU+Linux 6.1.0 Excalibur has officially been released, providing users with updated ISOs available from global mirrors. This release aligns with the updates recently implemented in Debian 13.2 and addresses several critical bugs. Notably, a long-standing issue affecting speech synthesis has been rectified, alongside improvements to the slim login manager, specifically addressing bugs 857 and 927 documented on the Devuan tracker.

Bazzite Linux has officially released version 43.20260101, introducing a range of updates and enhancements to the operating system. Key improvements include updates to core packages such as the kernel, which has been upgraded to version 6.17.7-ba22, alongside refreshed firmware and Mesa versions at 20251125-1 and 25.3.1-2, respectively.

The Linux Kernel version 6.18.3 has been officially released, marking a significant advancement in improving system performance and security. This update was the result of collaborative efforts from developers worldwide, who addressed numerous issues related to the kernel. Key fixes include resolving bugs in the FUSE component's reference counting and io-uring list corruption, which enhances data handling and prevents potential leaks during operations.

Manjaro Linux has announced the release of its third release candidate for version 26.0, named Anh-Linh RC3. This iteration provides users with an updated snapshot of the Plasma 6.5 desktop environment, alongside GNOME 49 and the anticipated Cosmic version. Key updates in this release include advancements in various system components, featuring the latest Mesa driver (version 25.3.1), Vulkan SDK (1.4.328.1), and the new real-time Linux kernel series (6.17-rt), replacing the now outdated 6.16 version.

On January 1, 2026, Arch Linux unveiled its latest installation media, featuring the kernel version 6.18.2. Known for its "Keep It Simple" philosophy, Arch Linux delivers a lightweight and highly customizable experience, appealing to users who appreciate both flexibility and ease of use. The distribution is built around optimized packages specifically designed for the x86-64 architecture and is continually enhanced by a community-operated repository that is expanding in both size and quality.