CachyOS has released its August 2026 update, featuring a complete rewrite of the GUI package manager, Shelly, from C# to Zig, while integrating Rust into the handheld daemon's kernel backend and the systray updater. The update introduces experimental server edition installation profiles and allows existing users to upgrade easily using a command. The transition to Zig and Rust eliminates managed runtime dependencies, resulting in improved performance and smaller memory usage for the package manager. Additionally, the update includes new window manager variants, enhancements for the CLI installer, and a focus on server capabilities, marking a significant expansion of CachyOS's functionality

CachyOS August 2026 Update: Shelly Rewritten in Zig, Rust Takes Over Key Tools

CachyOS has shipped its August 2026 release, headlined by a full rewrite of the default GUI package manager, Shelly, from C# to the Zig programming language. The update pushes Rust into the handheld daemon's kernel backend and the systray updater, while quietly introducing experimental server edition installation profiles through the CLI. Existing users can upgrade immediately with sudo pacman -Syu, and the Noctalia desktop environment now adds mango and niri window manager variants alongside Hyprland. Desktop and Handheld ISOs are live now at iso.cachyos.org and rolling out across global mirrors.

CachyOS August 2026 Update: Shelly Rewritten in Zig, Rust Takes Over Key Tools @ Linux Compatible