Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS is due for release today (August 29), but so was the fifth and final point release of the previous long-term support release, Ubuntu 22.04 — but it’s been delayed.
A pair of Ubuntu point releases arriving simultaneously is a rare occurrence, and sure to stretch Ubuntu’s capable, albeit not expansive, QA teams and testing infrastructure a bit thin.
To ensure both point releases receive the kind of testing, care, and attention Ubuntu is famed for, the Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS will now arrive 2 weeks later than planned, on September 12th. The breathing room will better ensure any last-minute hiccups are found.
I can’t imagine this delay will have much, if any, real-world impact.
Most people looking to perform a fresh install of Ubuntu will choose the latest long-term support release, which is Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS.
And those who do need the 22.04 series are unlikely to waiting specifically for an 22.04.5 image to install from — if they are, then waiting 2 weeks isn’t a major ask.
A new Ubuntu point release combines all of the software updates, security fixes, and other tweaks released since the previous point releases into a newly-pressed ISO image. This cuts down on the amount of updates that need to be downloaded after installing the OS.
New point releases (bar the first one) also include a new HWE stack comprised of a newer Linux kernel and updated graphics drivers. Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS will ship with the Linux 6.8 kernel by default, back-ported from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Thankfully, delaying the ISO won’t delay the HWE reaching those who already use Ubuntu 22.04 LTS as the new HWE update rolled out to earlier this month (so re-installing with this now-delayed ISO isn’t required to benefit from the new features in Linux 6.8.
Thanks, Saptarshi