Arch Linux has released its latest ISO, archlinux-2026.08.01, featuring kernel 7.1.5 and approximately 16,031 packages, with project lead Levente Polyák continuing his second term after a re-election. This release follows significant upstream changes, including the transition from iptables to nftables and the adoption of open NVIDIA kernel modules, demonstrating the project’s commitment to infrastructure improvements despite the challenges. Additionally, there was a security incident in June that led to the temporary suspension of user package adoption due to malicious activity, highlighting vulnerabilities in the Arch User Repository (AUR). As a rolling-release distribution, Arch Linux emphasizes the importance of user engagement and vigilance, requiring users to review package changes carefully, while continuing to deliver updates and improvements regularly
Arch Linux 2026.08.01 ISO Released: Kernel 7.1.5, Anthraxx Re-elected, and AUR Security Push
Arch Linux released its archlinux-2026.08.01 ISO, a 1.5 GB x86_64 build shipping kernel 7.1.5 and approximately 16,031 packages across core, extra, and multilib repositories. Project lead Levente Polyák ("anthraxx") continues his second term following a June re-election, overseeing a year of aggressive upstream integration that includes switching iptables to nftables, adopting open NVIDIA kernel modules, and renaming Varnish to Vinyl Cache.
