Gnome Developers in Discussion to End Support for X.Org
In a move that should surprise no one, the team behind the GNOME desktop environment is hinting at removing support for X.Org so they can focus on Wayland.
In this merge request, the GNOME development team stated, "This is the first step towards deprecating the X11 session, the gnome-xorg.desktop file is removed, but the X11 functionality is still there so you can restore the X11 session by installing the file in the appropriate place on your own."
That was then followed by the suggestion to remove the rest of the X11 session code for the next cycle, which could then be followed by removing the X11 code altogether.
This makes perfect sense, as X11 has been getting less and less testing over the last few years and Wayland development continues to go full steam. On top of that, Wayland is far more secure than X11 and offers features better suited for modern displays and interfaces.
Of course, not every developer is keen on dropping X11 so soon. One commenter in the thread mentioned how Wayland isn't ready for graphics professionals (as it has yet to implement basic color management).
However, the GNOME team isn't pulling the plug on X11 just yet. This proposal only removes one 8-line text file that can be added back if a user wants to continue with X11.
Removing support for X11 is an inevitability, as Wayland is the future of the Linux desktop. Chances are good that X11 will be fully deprecated by the end of 2024.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
LibreOffice 25.2 Has Arrived
If you've been hoping for a release that offers more UI customizations, you're in for a treat.
-
TuxCare Has a Big AlmaLinux 9 Announcement in Store
TuxCare announced it has successfully completed a Security Technical Implementation Guide for AlmaLinux OS 9.
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.