Arch Linux has released its September 2026 snapshot, featuring a 1.5 GB ISO that includes the Linux 7.2.2 kernel, primarily intended for new installations. The distribution now boasts approximately 15,770 official packages and over 49,000 AUR scripts, but users are advised to be aware of recent changes such as the switch to nftables and a malicious package incident in the AUR. Existing users are encouraged to update their systems using pacman -Syu instead of downloading the new ISO, while new users are advised to review their PKGBUILDs carefully due to recent ecosystem shifts. Project leadership remains stable, with Levente Polyák re-elected as Project Lead, and the installation process has been improved with the inclusion of the archinstall script to facilitate setup

Arch Linux 2026.09.01 Released: 1.5 GB ISO Ships with Linux 7.2.2 Kernel

Arch Linux has released its September 2026 monthly snapshot, shipping Linux 7.2.2 kernel in a 1.5 GB ISO intended for new installations only. The ecosystem now hosts roughly 15,770 official packages and over 49,000 AUR scripts, though users should note recent infrastructure changes like the nftables backend and a June AUR malicious package incident. 

Arch Linux 2026.09.01 Released: 1.5 GB ISO Ships with Linux 7.2.2 Kernel @ Linux Compatible