Linux Mint 21.3 has been released, marking the further development of a branch based on the Ubuntu package base 22.04 LTS. While the distribution remains fully compatible with Ubuntu, it diverges significantly in terms of the user interface and default application selection. The Linux Mint developers offer a desktop environment that adheres to classic desktop organization principles, catering to users who prefer traditional methods over the newer GNOME interface 3. The DVD editions are based on the Mate 1.26, Cinnamon 6.0, and Xfce 4.18 shells, with file sizes of 2.9 GB, 2.9 GB, and 2.8 GB, respectively. Since Linux Mint 21 belongs to the long-term support (LTS) releases, updates will be provided until 2027.
The key changes in Linux Mint 21.3 are:
- The inclusion of the latest release of the Cinnamon 6.0 desktop environment, which builds upon the GNOME 2 concept of a desktop and panel featuring a menu, a quick launch area, a list of open windows, and a system tray with applets. Cinnamon is based on GTK and GNOME 3, and the project focuses on evolving the GNOME Shell and MUTTER window manager to provide a modern design and incorporate elements from GNOME Shell while preserving classic desktop functionalities. Linux Mint also offers XFCE 4.18 for users who prefer this desktop environment, as well as Mate 1.26 for those who favor Mate.
- Cinnamon 6.0 introduces experimental support for working with the Wayland protocol. In the Wayland session, window management, virtual desktops, and most applications and components, including the file manager and panel, are controlled. Linux Mint plans to fully optimize Cinnamon for Wayland by the release of Linux Mint 23 in 2026.
