Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for April 2026?

Ubuntu
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Hello Friends

Just I am preparing a laptop to install Ubuntu Desktop LTS. I upgraded my pendrive with Ventoy to install the 24.04 LTS ( as 24.04.3LTS) but I remembered as a spark in the mind the schedule of releases and I arrived to:

If you see each LTS, they are released each April by 2 years of difference

Therefore due this pattern

Question

  • Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for April 2026?

I want avoid install unnecessarily Ubuntu 24.04 if in 2 months 26.04 is coming soon in 2 months

Thanks for your understanding

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Simple answer is YES its planned

What to expect from Ubuntu in 2026 and how it will change Linux .

The stable LTS version will be released on April 23, 2026

Normally there is an upgrade path so if you did 24 today then when 26 comes out there will be the option to upgrade. Although in some cases it does not work as the changé is so major.

I personally would not do ubuntu as I prefer mint. Also I would not trail blazer into a new release prefer to wait a few weeks before I jump. Not yet seen whats going to be in the newer versions yet but no doubt we will see the new features showcased before the event.

There is no correct answer to your question its personal choice.

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Hello Paul

Thanks for the reply and link

Normally there is an upgrade path so if you did 24 today then when 26 comes out there will be the option to upgrade. Although in some cases it does not work as the changé is so major.

Rarely I did do that kind of upgrade. I prefer do a fresh install.

I personally would not do ubuntu as I prefer mint

I am ok with this distro I’ve never had a problem in many machines … and according with my understanding mint is based on Ubuntu. Am I correct?

Also I would not trail blazer into a new release prefer to wait a few weeks before I jump.

Agree. Between a couple of weeks or a month is wise to let Ubuntu receive any kind of reports

There is no correct answer to your question its personal choice.

Well, in your own post and the link is the answer:

  • The stable LTS version will be released on April 23, 2026

Thanks again!

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Mint comes in several flavours, Cinnamon mate and xfce which have tge ubuntu origines which I have used in the past myself. But about 18 months back I took the step towards using LMDE which is based on debian although with a cinammon desktop. I tried it and prefered it for myself then bit by bit I have moved most of my clients in that direction.

I go for one standard as if there are questions I can answer quickly and easy as they all look and feel the same. Only exception is I have a couple of very old computer clients who cannot afford new machines and only have 2gb memory so they are on xfce as its lower I hardware demands. I also have 2 on 32 bit versions which lmde supported upto the latest version. Some time this year I will swap their boxes and upgrade them to 64 bit and the latest version of debian mint. They have the money I just need the time to do it.

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Hello Paul

Mint comes in several flavours, Cinnamon mate and xfce which have tge ubuntu origines which I have used in the past myself. But about 18 months back I took the step towards using LMDE which is based on debian although with a cinammon desktop. I tried it and prefered it for myself then bit by bit I have moved most of my clients in that direction.

THanks for that feedback, wow I learnt about the direct Debian branch (LMDE - Linux Mint Debian Edition). Could you expand the bold part?

I go for one standard as if there are questions I can answer quickly and easy as they all look and feel the same. Only exception is I have a couple of very old computer clients who cannot afford new machines and only have 2gb memory so they are on xfce as its lower I hardware demands. I also have 2 on 32 bit versions which lmde supported upto the latest version. Some time this year I will swap their boxes and upgrade them to 64 bit and the latest version of debian mint. They have the money I just need the time to do it.

I have the same situation for the bold part, I use Peppermint based on Debian 12 for 32 bits too, I hope they create its own support for 32 bits for Debian 13. It in January 2026

Thanks for your feedback!

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Bit by bit, is simply as each computer came in for service (dust removal, updates etc. I Talked the client into changing to the debian version. Basically for them the cinammon desk top did not change that much they thought it was just a newer versions. Unlike some I dont charge much for this service we are all happy with that idea.

Many clients have issues with dust and heat due to where we live so service dust removal is part of the things I offer, if they want.

On the 32 bit and 2 gb , many of my clients are older generation limited income dont want to change the box just because its 15 years old etc. But I have been warning them at some stage they will be forced down the newer box route. I do recyclé kit so If I get the chance for a rejected computer I take it, refurbished with mint, put maximum memory in then only charge a small amount (25 to 35 euros) just to cover my costs.

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conventional wisdom suggests a wait until the first point release of a new LTS version drops before going full in to allow the developers to iron out any initial niggles (there are often quite a few). The interim versions, 25.04 and 25.10 will often give you a flavour of what to expect in the following LTS release.

The first point release of Ubuntu 26.04, known as 26.04.1, is scheduled for August 6, 2026

Personally, I would recommend spinning up a live USB copy of 25.10 to see what it offers and whether any extensions or key applications you rely on will perform to expectations.

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Thanks for the replies

Paul

Bit by bit, is simply as each computer came in for service (dust removal, updates etc. I Talked the client into changing to the debian version. Basically for them the cinammon desk top did not change that much they thought it was just a newer versions. Unlike some I dont charge much for this service we are all happy with that idea.

Understood. I assumed it could be due an issue due a specific software.
If is possible:

  • What tools/software run in Debian by your clients?

Many clients have issues with dust and heat due to where we live so service dust removal is part of the things I offer, if they want.

Agree, same issue for any “metal” near of the coast (rust is an issue)

On the 32 bit and 2 gb , many of my clients are older generation limited income dont want to change the box just because its 15 years old etc. But I have been warning them at some stage they will be forced down the newer box route. I do recyclé kit so If I get the chance for a rejected computer I take it, refurbished with mint, put maximum memory in then only charge a small amount (25 to 35 euros) just to cover my costs.

Has sense the logic of both part … the bold part is not clear. Is it a cost about if you put more hardware to your client’s laptops?. Am I correct?

GrahamLees

conventional wisdom suggests a wait until the first point release of a new LTS version drops before going full in to allow the developers to iron out any initial niggles (there are often quite a few)

Yes, It has a lot of sense and I am absolutely agree, therefore my previous comment

Agree. Between a couple of weeks or a month is wise to let Ubuntu receive any kind of reports

Is now more complete

The interim versions, 25.04 and 25.10 will often give you a flavour of what to expect in the following LTS release.

Agree, a “25.10” life cycle is shorter too if I am not mistaken. I don’t remember this situation for a “25.04”

The first point release of Ubuntu 26.04, known as 26.04.1, is scheduled for August 6, 2026

Wooh …

Personally, I would recommend spinning up a live USB copy of 25.10 to see what it offers and whether any extensions or key applications you rely on will perform to expectations.

In my case I run with VirtualBox to have the “most real” experience. Of course, thanks for the suggestion

Thanks to all!

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Nothing complex, chrome and chromium for web browsing as some sites dont work well on firefox. Mainly local newspaper, never looked into why just leave them on chrome. Calibre for books, libreoffice for documents, whatsapp for communications. Like I say nothing demanding.

No Dust they have dogs and we have wind mainly sand ingress.

Its usually just memory modules and I have a stock that I have recovered from sources such as dead boxes unable to repair. So 5 euros for a memory stick, 20 if I replace the disk. The rest is for my time effort. Not expensive and clients come back or recommend me. I will never be rich but I sleep well at night. They pay more if I have to buy the memory special, normally they do the purchase direct so they know the cost then I just install.

Most are happy. Money is not my driver.

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Thanks for the reply

Nothing complex, chrome and chromium for web browsing as some sites dont work well on firefox. Mainly local newspaper, never looked into why just leave them on chrome. Calibre for books, libreoffice for documents, whatsapp for communications. Like I say nothing demanding.

Thanks for the explanation

No Dust they have dogs and we have wind mainly sand ingress.

Interesting scenario

Its usually just memory modules and I have a stock that I have recovered from sources such as dead boxes unable to repair. So 5 euros for a memory stick, 20 if I replace the disk. The rest is for my time effort. Not expensive and clients come back or recommend me. I will never be rich but I sleep well at night. They pay more if I have to buy the memory special, normally they do the purchase direct so they know the cost then I just install.

Do the right thing always is better … being a honest man is a wise decision

Most are happy. Money is not my driver.

Bravo! :clinking_beer_mugs:

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Interim releases only get 9 months support so in this case, 25.04 reached EOL on 15th Jan 2026. I didn’t exactly recommend you go there tbh (as I think you recognise) but only intended to outline the interim release cycle in the event you weren’t already aware.

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Yeah - generally - Ubuntu LTS ships in April of even numbered years…

I NEVER adopt a new LTS in April…

I always wait for the .1 update - e.g. I won’t be trying 26.04 until it’s 26.04.1…

I’m not sure how long Ubuntu 26 will have support…

I don’t see a massive reason to upgrade my 24.04 to 26.04… I may just sit on 24.04 for a while… like I sat on Pop!_OS 22.04 for ~3 years…

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Thanks for the replies

GrahamLees

Interim releases only get 9 months support so in this case, 25.04 reached EOL on 15th Jan 2026. I didn’t exactly recommend you go there tbh (as I think you recognise) but only intended to outline the interim release cycle in the event you weren’t already aware.

Understood, years ago I chose the latest release available and it was one ending with “.10”.
Therefore after of a time I did do realize the apt command “did not work anymore”.
After to did do a research I learn the situation of a non-LTS.

Anyway the experience was in VirtualBox

Dan

Yeah - generally - Ubuntu LTS ships in April of even numbered years…
I NEVER adopt a new LTS in April…
I always wait for the .1 update - e.g. I won’t be trying 26.04 until it’s 26.04.1…

Agree

I’m not sure how long Ubuntu 26 will have support…

I assume the normal for a LTS release … maybe 3 yrs?

I don’t see a massive reason to upgrade my 24.04 to 26.04… I may just sit on 24.04 for a while… like I sat on Pop!_OS 22.04 for ~3 years…

About upgrade I am agree with you (even I prefer do a fresh install) but for a direct new installation I created this thread to avoid do a quick upgrade from 24.04 to 26.04. Other main reason is the tight time I have to do that and even having a risk if something goes wrong throughout the upgrade

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Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will receive five years of standard updates and security patches, followed by an additional five years of Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) through Ubuntu Pro, totalling up to 10 years of support. This means it will be supported until April 2036. ESM is free for private users of up to five systems IIRC.

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Thanks for the feedback!

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