Ubuntu 24.04 LTS — Noble Numbat
Released in April 2024, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (codenamed Noble Numbat) is the latest Long-Term Support release from Canonical. LTS releases are supported for 5 years of standard security updates, making this the version most organizations and cautious users should target. Here's a breakdown of what's new and worth knowing.
GNOME 46 Desktop
Ubuntu 24.04 ships with GNOME 46, which brings several quality-of-life improvements:
- Global search in Files (Nautilus): You can now search across all indexed folders from the Files app, not just the current directory.
- Improved Settings app: More granular privacy controls, an overhauled system details section, and better organization throughout.
- Accessibility improvements: Better screen reader integration and keyboard navigation across the desktop.
- Refreshed GNOME apps: Core apps like Contacts, Weather, and Clocks have been updated with adaptive layouts.
Linux Kernel 6.8
Noble Numbat ships with Linux kernel 6.8, which brings meaningful improvements including:
- Better support for AMD and Intel GPU hardware (great news for laptop users).
- Improved Wi-Fi driver support, including better handling of newer Realtek and MediaTek chipsets.
- Enhanced performance for high-core-count AMD Ryzen and Intel processors.
Snap and App Ecosystem Changes
Ubuntu 24.04 continues Canonical's push toward Snap packages as the default delivery mechanism for some applications. Notably, the Firefox browser remains a Snap, and Thunderbird has also transitioned to Snap in this release. While this ensures automatic updates and better sandboxing, users who prefer traditional .deb packages can still configure APT alternatives for most apps.
Security and Enterprise Improvements
Canonical has expanded Ubuntu Pro benefits, providing expanded security coverage for up to 12 years when combined with a (free for personal use) Ubuntu Pro subscription. The 24.04 release also tightens AppArmor profiles, improves TPM-backed full-disk encryption options, and includes better Active Directory integration for enterprise deployments.
Python 3.12 and Toolchain Updates
Developers will appreciate that 24.04 ships with Python 3.12 as the default, along with updated versions of GCC, Ruby, Golang, and Rust in the repositories. This makes it a solid base for modern development without needing third-party PPAs for current toolchains.
Should You Upgrade?
If you're running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, an upgrade to 24.04 is recommended — especially for those on newer hardware who want better driver support. For production servers, wait a few months after release for any initial bugs to be ironed out, then plan your migration.
To check if an upgrade path is available, run:
sudo do-release-upgradeAt a Glance
| Component | Ubuntu 22.04 | Ubuntu 24.04 |
|---|---|---|
| GNOME Version | 42 | 46 |
| Linux Kernel | 5.15 | 6.8 |
| Python | 3.10 | 3.12 |
| Standard Support | Until 2027 | Until 2029 |
| Pro Support | Until 2032 | Until 2036 |