Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin) Beta released

Ubuntu 25.04 is due out next month, with a Beta now live for testing so you can see all that's new and report any unexpected issues. This release will have standard support until January 2026, with the next LTS (long-term support) release being in 2026.

Unless you specifically need the LTS release, you'll be fine to upgrade to this next month. The Beta includes Ubuntu Desktop, Server and Cloud products. In addition to Betas for Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, UbuntuKylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu Unity and Xubuntu flavours

This version of Ubuntu includes the recently released Linux kernel 6.14, along with various installer improvements like expanded dual-boot install and upgrade support for Ubuntu sitting alongside Windows with a focus on BitLocker protected Windows systems. You also get updated graphics drivers with Mesa 25.0, and lots of assorted software upgrades.

For the main edition this brings GNOME 48 that brings a lot of features including improved HDR support, notification stacking, lots of performance improvements, global shortcuts, digital well-being settings and much more.

Pictured - Ubuntu 25.04 Beta

While Kubuntu gets KDE Plasma 6.3 that comes with overhauled fractional scaling, lots of improvements for drawing tablets on Wayland, improvements to the panels and much more.

Since I like to live on the wild side, I decided to upgrade my system to Kubuntu 25.04 Beta today. After a bit of a woops with it entirely removing KDE, a quick TTY swap to reinstall kubuntu-desktop, then re-installing Flatpak and we're looking good.

Pictured - my Kubuntu 25.04 Beta install.

See more in the release notes.

Will you be testing the Beta or waiting for the final release? What are you most excited about in this update?