Tiling Shell v18.0 Second Release Candidate has been released, featuring support for GNOME 51, which expands compatibility from GNOME 42. A significant update includes a fix for fractional scaling that addresses oversized UI elements in GNOME 49 and later versions running on Wayland. The release process has shifted, with candidate versions now debuting on GitHub for testing before moving to the official extensions directory, reflecting the need for thorough testing due to the extension's complexity and popularity. While the official version is still listed as 17.3 on extensions.gnome.org, users can manually test the candidate version by downloading it from GitHub

Qubes OS 4.3.2-rc1 has been released for testing, featuring an upgrade to the default Fedora template to version 44 and a kernel update to Linux 7.2, with a stable release expected by the end of September. This release is primarily aimed at testers and includes two significant security fixes addressing vulnerabilities in qvm-open-in-vm and qvm-copy-to-vm. Users are advised to back up their systems before testing, as the release is not intended for production environments. The testing process will help validate the changes and ensure stability before the final version is launched

KDE Plasma 6.8 has entered its bug-fixing and polishing phase, with only four open regression reports, while development for 6.9 has just begun. The major update in 6.8 is the implementation of the Union theming system for QtWidgets applications, allowing apps like Dolphin and Kate to adopt a unified look. The team is managing four concurrent release tracks (6.6, 6.7, 6.8, and 6.9) while also addressing various bug fixes and improvements across all versions. Plasma 6.9 remains unscoped, but initial work is underway, with aspirations to use Union's CSS for theming the desktop environment in future releases

Canonical has released Ubuntu 26.10 "Stonking Stingray" Snapshot 4, the final monthly development preview before the stable interim release scheduled for October 15. This snapshot includes updates such as Linux 7.2, GNOME 51, Mesa 26.2, and a transition to Rust-based core utilities, along with a new experimental Amd64-v3 build for newer CPUs. Users are advised to treat this release as a throwaway artifact and not for production use, as it closely mirrors the upcoming beta version. Additionally, Canonical is working on significant changes for future releases, including a redesigned installer, on-device AI capabilities, and ongoing improvements to Rust integration in base system utilities

Alpine Linux has released simultaneous security updates for its four supported branches: 3.21.8, 3.22.6, 3.23.6, and 3.24.2, primarily addressing OpenSSL vulnerabilities. The newer branches have upgraded to OpenSSL 3.5.8, while the older 3.21 branch remains on 3.3.7, reflecting Alpine's backporting approach as the branch approaches its end of support on November 1, 2026. Operators are advised to plan migrations from the 3.21 branch, as it will not receive any further updates after the support deadline. Additionally, the updates include various other security and bug fixes, and users upgrading to a major version should follow specific commands for a successful transition

AlmaLinux OS Foundation has released the 9.9 Beta, "Chartreuse Bobcat," which includes the GCC Toolset 16 and a Linux kernel fix for CPU spikes that Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9.9 has not yet implemented. This beta also introduces new module streams for Node.js 26 and PHP 8.4, along with security updates for several components, including SELinux and SSSD. Noteworthy changes include the major version update of fapolicyd to 2.0.1 and a rollback in authselect's group-merging behavior, both of which should be tested prior to production deployment. Additionally, the beta contains an upstream kernel fix that addresses excessive CPU consumption, showcasing AlmaLinux's community-led approach in contrast to RHEL's release schedule

The GNOME Project has released GNOME 51, codenamed "A Coruña," which introduces offline Maps, three new Circle apps, and various performance improvements. Key features include a revamped Settings app with Auto Rotate, improvements to the graphics stack, and notable enhancements to the Maps app that allow users to download regions for offline use. Other updates involve improved usability in Files and the Papers document viewer, as well as new applications like a SQLite browser and a counter app. GNOME 51 is available in Fedora 45 Beta and Ubuntu 26.10, continuing the project's commitment to open-source software

Fedora CoreOS 45 Test Week will begin on September 21, 2026, allowing community members to test container-optimized images built from Fedora 45 content prior to their release. This event comes after the Fedora 45 Beta, released on September 15, and focuses on new features like systemd-oomd with zram swap support and native Butane YAML configuration in Ignition. Participants will download test images, run them on various hardware, and report results to ensure a smooth final release expected on November 19, 2026. The Test Week serves as a quality gate for Fedora CoreOS, which is an immutable, image-based operating system designed for cloud and bare-metal deployments

Bazzite has released a new stable build, 44.20260916, which pins the linux-firmware to an earlier version after the latest update caused audio and performance issues on certain handheld devices. This release also includes improved detection for the SuiPlay0X1 handheld, correcting its previous misclassification and restoring proper controller mapping in Gaming Mode. While the firmware has been rolled back, the overall gaming and desktop stack remains intact, allowing users to continue enjoying the latest features without issues. The update emphasizes stability and compatibility for handheld users, with a new pinning mechanism that ensures the firmware version does not automatically update, thus prioritizing a reliable gaming experience

Krita 5.3.4 has been released, featuring the ability to export animations and timelapses directly on Android devices, although this feature is still in beta and limited to tablets. The update also includes the removal of the outdated and vulnerable GIMP XCF importer, encouraging users to switch to the OpenRaster format for file interchange. Alongside this release, Krita 6.0.4 was launched but is considered more experimental due to ongoing changes in the Qt5-to-Qt6 transition, with no Android builds available. In addition to these significant updates, the release includes numerous bug fixes and stability improvements, as well as new icons and features for Krita Plus subscribers

Fedora has released a new batch of community-built live ISOs for Fedora 44, repackaged with the Linux kernel 7.2.5, available for various desktop spins as of September 15. These respins allow users to utilize the current kernel without needing to perform an in-place upgrade, making it easier to test or install the operating system. The release coincided with the announcement of Fedora 45 Beta, which introduces new features and updates, but these respins are meant for those seeking a stable experience with the existing Fedora 44 base. Users can download the ISOs and use them for quick deployment or hardware compatibility checks

Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS, released on September 10, 2026, faced an emergency situation when a desktop installer crash prompted Canonical to pull the amd64 Desktop ISO shortly after launch. The issue was addressed quickly, resulting in a rebuilt version, 24.04.5.1, released on September 15, while all other artifacts remained unchanged. This point release includes security patches and bug fixes, with notable improvements in desktop and server functionalities. Users performing fresh installs should download the new 24.04.5.1 image, while existing users can upgrade via Update Manager without any issues

Bazzite has released its latest stable build, 44.20260915, which introduces the UMU Launcher for non-Steam Windows games and turns off Wi-Fi power saving by default to reduce latency. The UMU Launcher provides a streamlined way to run Windows games on Linux without needing Steam, thus enhancing compatibility for various game storefronts. Additionally, this update includes system upgrades for GNOME and KDE Plasma, as well as various smaller patches and fixes. Users can easily update to this version using the bazzite-rollback-helper for a seamless transition without needing a complete reinstall

Fedora has released the Fedora Linux 45 Beta on September 15, 2026, providing testers with a nearly complete preview ahead of the final release scheduled for October 2026. This beta version includes significant updates such as a new userspace kmscon console, enforced package signature checking, and restricted ptrace access for unprivileged users, alongside numerous toolchain updates. The Fedora Asahi Remix 45 Beta has also been launched, featuring out-of-the-box support for Apple M3 Macs, although full GPU driver support will come later through an update. The beta is available for download across various editions and allows users to upgrade existing systems using DNF

XanMod released coordinated updates for its MAIN, LTS, and RT kernel branches on September 14, 2026, aligning with upstream Linux versions 7.2.6 and 6.18.52. This release focuses heavily on security and stability, featuring significant improvements to the SMB server (ksmbd) and enhancements for AMD power management in the LTS build. Users of Debian and Ubuntu can install these updates via XanMod's APT repository, but should be cautious of potential DKMS module compatibility issues. XanMod is a downstream kernel build that includes various optimizations and features aimed at enhancing performance for desktop and gaming users, with specific installation steps outlined on their website

Liquorix Linux Kernel 7.2-11 has been released, marking the project's fastest release cadence with seven packages launched in just ten days. The new version skips 7.2.5 and merges upstream Linux 7.2.6, while carrying forward prior patches, particularly focusing on enhancements to the custom scheduler for improved system responsiveness. The release cycle included significant changes aimed at addressing system freezes and optimizing performance for low-VRAM and integrated-GPU systems, which are crucial for gamers and desktop users. Overall, the effort reflects a commitment to stability and performance, showcasing the ongoing development and refinement of the Liquorix kernel

Fedora is hosting a community Test Day from September 14 to 20 to stress-test KDE Plasma 6.7, encouraging volunteers to identify bugs before the final release of Fedora 45. This event includes collaboration between KDE developers and Fedora QA veterans, marking a significant co-branded quality initiative. KDE Plasma 6.7 is notable for being the last version to support X11 and introduces features like per-screen virtual desktops, while also paying homage to the past with the return of the Oxygen theme. Participants can install Fedora 45, run test cases, and report their findings through the designated portal during the event week

Greg Kroah-Hartman released seven new versions of the Linux kernel on September 14, including the latest short-term stable version 7.2.6 and several long-term branches. These releases primarily consist of upstream bug fixes and security patches, with a focus on addressing memory-safety issues and networking defects. The updates, which do not introduce new features, span a wide range of supported versions, demonstrating significant coverage in the Linux ecosystem from the newest to older branches. Available for download on kernel.org, these updates ensure continued stability and security for various hardware and software environments

Shelly ALPM v3.1.4 was released on September 13, introducing an --aur-cache flag that allows Arch users to clear built AUR package archives and reclaim disk space. The update enhances the native builder by addressing various PKGBUILD issues and replacing Arch's pacstrap with the project's own Shelterstrap for isolated builds. The GUI package manager, designed to work directly with Arch's libalpm, also features improvements such as selectable text in the detail pane and better handling of PGP key-import confirmations. The project continues to evolve with contributions from a rotating cast of developers, emphasizing its integration within the Arch ecosystem while maintaining a focus on speed and accuracy

The third release candidate for Linux Kernel 7.3, known as 7.3-rc3, has been released, featuring significant updates primarily in the XFS filesystem and the SMB network client, though drivers for sound, networking, and GPU also constitute a large portion of the work. This release includes numerous memory-safety fixes aimed at addressing vulnerabilities like use-after-free and overflow bugs, many of which were identified by syzbot and security researchers. The kernel's filesystem footprint has expanded, with XFS being a major contributor, while the overall driver updates remain the core focus of this release cycle. Torvalds encourages users to test the release extensively as the stable version is expected to debut in the latter half of October 2023