System76 has released Epoch 1.6.0 of its COSMIC desktop environment, which includes significant upgrades such as modern Wayland protocol support and the ability to route audio per application. The update also addresses several bugs, including a session-freezing issue in the file manager and improves text rendering on HiDPI displays. Additionally, enhancements in the compositor lead to better GPU memory handling and reduced tearing during media playback. Overall, the update emphasizes polish and stability, with Pop!_OS users set to receive it through standard system updates, while other users can access the open-source component repositories on GitHub

System76's COSMIC Desktop Gets Wayland Upgrades and Per-App Audio in Epoch 1.6.0

System76's Rust-based COSMIC desktop environment just shipped Epoch 1.6.0, a coordinated update across its entire component stack. The release brings modern Wayland protocol support to the smithay-based compositor, adds per-application audio routing in settings, and finally fixes the jagged text rendering on HiDPI displays. Beyond the technical upgrades, the team squashed a session-freezing dialog loop in the file manager and debounced the volume slider to stop audio stuttering. Pop!_OS users will receive the update through standard system updates as the desktop continues its slow march from prototype to daily driver.

System76's COSMIC Desktop Gets Wayland Upgrades and Per-App Audio in Epoch 1.6.0 @ Linux Compatible