On September 11, 2026, Linux kernel versions 7.2.5 and 6.18.51 were released, each containing approximately 550 commits under the sign-off of Greg Kroah-Hartman. These updates focus on hardware and security fixes, specifically addressing the new NVIDIA Blackwell GB20x display pipeline and enhancing the ksmbd network components. Additionally, the releases included improvements in memory management, BPF preemption handling, and fixes for race conditions in the DAMON subsystem, with several commits credited to AI coding assistants. The 6.18 branch has seen consistent maintenance since December 2025, indicating a strong community interest in treating it as a long-term support release

Linux Kernel 7.2.5 and 6.18.51 Drop with Blackwell and Security Fixes

Linux kernel 7.2.5 and 6.18.51 hit kernel.org on September 11, 2026, each packing roughly 550 commits under Greg Kroah-Hartman’s sign-off. The updates prioritize hardware and security fixes, with a heavy cluster of nouveau patches targeting the new NVIDIA Blackwell GB20x display pipeline alongside multiple ksmbd hardening measures. Memory management, BPF preemption handling, and DAMON subsystem race conditions also made the cut, while several commits this cycle explicitly credit AI coding assistants.

Linux Kernel 7.2.5 and 6.18.51 Drop with Blackwell and Security Fixes @ Linux Compatible