Systemd has released version 261.3 and 260.5, which focus on upstream fixes rather than new features, including support for the failfs pseudo-filesystem introduced in Linux kernel 7.3 and updates to kernel headers. The updates, tagged by Luca Boccassi and primarily backported by Yu Watanabe, are immutable and signed for security, making them suitable for distributions tracking these stable branches. While these releases address critical issues and refresh the hardware database, they do not include the full feature sets of v261 or v260, so users seeking specific functionalities will need to upgrade to the earlier base versions. Overall, these patch releases serve as a maintenance layer to ensure compatibility with fast-evolving upstream kernel versions, without introducing significant changes or performance tweaks

Systemd v261.3 and v20.5 Ship With failfs Recognition and Kernel Header Updates

Both systemd v261.3 and v20.5 are now available, delivering a curated batch of upstream fixes rather than new features. The updates bring proper recognition for Linux kernel 7.3's new failfs pseudo-filesystem, alongside updated kernel headers and a refreshed hardware database. Tagged by Luca Boccassi and cherry-picked primarily by Yu Watanabe, both releases are immutable and signed for security. Distributions tracking these branches should pull the patches now, though users seeking LUO/Kexec Handover or the cloud IMDS subsystem will need to upgrade to the full v261 feature set.

Systemd v261.3 and v20.5 Ship With failfs Recognition and Kernel Header Updates @ Linux Compatible