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By Zayden R., September 19, 2026
Ubuntu 26.10 will ship with the Linux 7.3 kernel, instead of the earlier planned 7.2. This shift ensures users get the latest hardware support and kernel improvements, aligning with upstream capabilities.
In a swift move that will please many in the Linux community, Ubuntu 26.10, also known as Stonking Stingray, is set to be powered by the Linux 7.3 kernel. Canonical's kernel team has decided to switch from their original plan of using the Linux 7.2 kernel, citing the smooth upstream development schedule as a key factor.
Initially, Canonical had announced that Ubuntu 26.10 would align with the Linux 7.2 kernel due to their release timetables. However, with no delays encountered during the releases of 7.1 and 7.2, and with Linux 7.3 already seeing its first release candidate, the team felt confident in making the leap to 7.3. This update means users can look forward to improved hardware support and the latest kernel enhancements right out of the box.
The Linux 7.3 kernel is already rolling out in the proposed pocket for early testing, while the official ISO for Ubuntu 26.10 is expected to release on October 15. The kernel freeze is on October 1, which means the initial release might still be on a pre-release state. However, if Linux 7.3 is released on time, Ubuntu users can expect the latest stable kernel version by October 18, or October 25 if an additional release candidate is required.
For engineers and sysadmins, this is a significant update, offering the latest in kernel improvements and hardware compatibility. It's advisable to keep an eye on the beta testing phase and prepare for any adjustments that might be needed with the new kernel features.