Canonical has released Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, also called Resolute Raccoon. This new version comes with many changes that make the system faster, safer, and easier to use. Some changes are easy to see, while others work quietly in the background.

Ubuntu now needs at least 6 GB of RAM to run. This may feel higher than before, but it helps the system work better with new apps and tasks.

The biggest change of Ubuntu 26.04 you will notice is the new GNOME 50 desktop. It now fully uses Wayland, which helps improve how things look and move on the screen. The mouse cursor feels smoother, even when apps are slow. There is also better support for modern displays, like high refresh rate screens and better scaling.

The design also looks a bit nicer. The Yaru theme and icons have been updated to look cleaner and more modern.

Ubuntu 26.04 also uses the new Linux 7.0 kernel. This helps the system manage memory better and support new hardware. It also adds stronger security, like full disk encryption using TPM, which helps keep your data safe.

This version is also better for people who want to use AI tools. NVIDIA CUDA is already included, so users do not need to install it later. AMD users can also easily get ROCm from the software store.

There are also small fixes and improvements. NVIDIA GPU users should now see better sleep and wake performance. The system feels more stable overall.

Ubuntu now has a new Resources app. This replaces the old system monitor and shows system usage in a simple way. The Files app is also faster and easier to use.

One thing that is removed is Google Drive support inside the Files app. This was done because the old system used for it was no longer safe.

New users can download Ubuntu 26.04 from Canonical. If you already use Ubuntu, you can upgrade with a simple command.

This update may need better hardware, but it gives a smoother and more modern experience in return.