Intel has officially launched version 1.28.0 of its Linux driver for Neural Processing Units (NPUs), with a particular focus on enhancing support for users of Intel Core Ultra CPUs, including Meteor Lake and Lunar Lake models. This update aims to optimize the utilization of built-in NPU capabilities, which are designed to efficiently handle AI tasks directly on the processor.
One significant change in this release is the discontinuation of support for Ubuntu 22.04, indicating a shift in focus toward newer platforms. Users relying on older NPU hardware will need to consider upgrading their operating system to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or newer to benefit from the latest driver enhancements. The 1.28.0 driver also extends compatibility to Panther Lake CPUs, broadening the range of supported devices.
Intel has conducted thorough testing of this driver version across several configurations, confirming its reliability on Meteor Lake, Lunar Lake, and the newer Panther Lake platforms. The driver has been validated on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with kernel version 6.14.0-36-generic, ensuring that users can expect a smooth experience when leveraging their NPUs.
Alongside the driver update, several core software components have also been upgraded. Level Zero has been updated to version 1.24.2, OpenVINO has reached version 2025.4, and the NPU task compiler has transitioned to a new build based on OpenVINO_rev.5fb69ea. Additionally, the GPU driver has been refreshed to version 25.35.35096.9, further enhancing the overall performance of the system.
While the release notes do not provide extensive details on specific fixes or improvements, the overall message is clear: Intel remains committed to refining its NPU software ecosystem, with expectations of ongoing updates and improvements in the future.
Summary of Key Points:
- Driver Version: Intel's Linux NPU Driver v1.28.0 released.
- Focus: Enhanced support for Intel Core Ultra CPUs (Meteor Lake, Lunar Lake).
- Ubuntu Support: Discontinued for 22.04; now supports 24.04 LTS.
- New Compatibility: Added support for Panther Lake CPUs.
- Testing: Verified on multiple platforms and configurations.
- Software Updates: Core components like Level Zero, OpenVINO, and GPU driver have been updated.
- Future Outlook: Continued commitment to improving NPU software.
Overall, this update reflects Intel's ongoing efforts to enhance hardware-software integration for AI capabilities, ensuring users can effectively leverage the advanced processing power of their devices
One significant change in this release is the discontinuation of support for Ubuntu 22.04, indicating a shift in focus toward newer platforms. Users relying on older NPU hardware will need to consider upgrading their operating system to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or newer to benefit from the latest driver enhancements. The 1.28.0 driver also extends compatibility to Panther Lake CPUs, broadening the range of supported devices.
Intel has conducted thorough testing of this driver version across several configurations, confirming its reliability on Meteor Lake, Lunar Lake, and the newer Panther Lake platforms. The driver has been validated on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with kernel version 6.14.0-36-generic, ensuring that users can expect a smooth experience when leveraging their NPUs.
Alongside the driver update, several core software components have also been upgraded. Level Zero has been updated to version 1.24.2, OpenVINO has reached version 2025.4, and the NPU task compiler has transitioned to a new build based on OpenVINO_rev.5fb69ea. Additionally, the GPU driver has been refreshed to version 25.35.35096.9, further enhancing the overall performance of the system.
While the release notes do not provide extensive details on specific fixes or improvements, the overall message is clear: Intel remains committed to refining its NPU software ecosystem, with expectations of ongoing updates and improvements in the future.
Summary of Key Points:
- Driver Version: Intel's Linux NPU Driver v1.28.0 released.
- Focus: Enhanced support for Intel Core Ultra CPUs (Meteor Lake, Lunar Lake).
- Ubuntu Support: Discontinued for 22.04; now supports 24.04 LTS.
- New Compatibility: Added support for Panther Lake CPUs.
- Testing: Verified on multiple platforms and configurations.
- Software Updates: Core components like Level Zero, OpenVINO, and GPU driver have been updated.
- Future Outlook: Continued commitment to improving NPU software.
Overall, this update reflects Intel's ongoing efforts to enhance hardware-software integration for AI capabilities, ensuring users can effectively leverage the advanced processing power of their devices
Linux NPU Driver v1.28.0 released
Intel has released a new version of its Linux driver for Neural Processing Units (NPUs), bringing the software to 1.28.0. This update primarily affects users with Intel Core Ultra CPUs, such as Meteor Lake and Lunar Lake, which now feature improved support thanks to their built-in NPUs. The new driver has been verified on various platforms, including Meteor Lake, Arrow Lake, and Panther Lake, making it easier for users with these devices to get up and running. Support for Ubuntu 22.04 has been discontinued, but the driver is now compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and other systems.
