On July 29, 2026, Greg Kroah-Hartman released Linux Kernel versions 6.1.179, 6.6.146, and 6.12.99, which focus on bug fixes and security enhancements. The updates involved significant changes, with 6.1.179 modifying nearly 15,000 files, and the GPU subsystem receiving the most attention with over a thousand altered files to support various drivers. Networking also saw substantial updates, particularly with Ethernet and wireless drivers, while Rust driver support continues to grow in these stable releases. Users on older kernel branches should be aware that both the 6.1 and 6.6 trees will reach end of life in December 2027, prompting timely updates to newer versions
Linux Kernel 6.1.179, 6.6.146, and 6.12.99 LTS Released: Stable Updates with GPU and Security Fixes
Greg Kroah-Hartman released Linux 6.1.179, 6.6.146, and 6.12.99 on July 29, 2026, as part of the weekly stable release cycle. These updates focus strictly on bug fixes and security hardening, with 6.1.179 touching nearly 15,000 files across the codebase. The GPU stack remains the most heavily maintained subsystem, with over a thousand DRM files altered in every release to support Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, and ARM Mali drivers. While Rust driver backports and growing LoongArch support show the kernel's evolution, users should note that the 6.1 and 6.6 trees reach end of life in December 2027.
