March 10, 2024 Linus Torvalds, creator and main developer of the Linux nucleus, announced the release of the new stable version 6.8. The release followed the established schedule, coming two months after the previous stable version 6.7, which was published in early January 2024.
The source code for Linux 6.8 is now available for download on the official website kernel.org. Torvalds also released the new version on GITHUB along with the MAKEFILE.
The new version includes numerous changes, updates, improvements, and bug fixes. More detailed information can be found in the Linux 6.8 Changelog.
Among the innovations in Linux 6.8 are:
- Added support for the new AMD Zen 5
- Added new capabilities for Intel Lunar Lake
- Early support for the AMD control code
- Inclusion of the Intel XE DRM driver in the experimental support framework with current Intel graphics
- Addition of the Imagination Powervr Rogue DRM
- Initial support for the Raspberry Pi 5
- Support for several ARM-based gaming consoles
- Support for the Nintendo Switch Online controller and the nucleus planner
- Increased TCP performance by about 40% when handling many simultaneous network connections
In his announcement, Linus Torvalds stated, “This release is not as large-scale as 6.7, but rather returns to the average size typical of the last few years. One of the most significant changes in Linux 6.8 is the new XE DRM driver, with the main focus being updates and fixes across the entire code base.”
Torvalds also noted that Linux 6.8 marks the last main release of the nucleus with fewer than 10 million