Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.
The latest iteration of the Linux kernel has arrived and it contains some pretty cool features. And, according to Linus Torvalds (the creator of Linux), this release "...has been going smoothly."
There are plenty of the usual code clean-ups, fixes, and upgrades to existing features. But taking the limelight for this release is the initial support for USB4 and WiFi 7.
WiFi 7 supports the 6Ghz band and has a max data rate of 23 Gbps, so getting this rolled into the kernel should give Linux a big boost in network speeds. As well, USB4 supports up to 80 Gps data transfer rate, so there's another area that will give Linux an increase. Remember, however, this is just initial support, so don't expect to see these newer technologies working just yet.
Other changes added to the 6.5 kernel include fixes for Intel P-State CPU scaling, three modes for amd-pstate (active, passive, and guided autonomous), Btrfs performance and storage optimizations, rumble support for the latest iterations of Xbox controllers, overclocking support for AMD Radeon RX 7000 GPUs, optimizations for AMD and Intel graphics drivers, more Rust code, support for new hotkeys found on ThinkBook 14s Yoga ITL, and much more.
You can read the full list of changes and fixes in this post by Torvalds.
When the Linux 6.5 kernel hits your distribution will vary. Rolling release distributions like Arch and Fedora (a semi-rolling release) should see it soon. Ubuntu (and its derivatives) should see 6.5 along with Ubuntu 23.10.
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
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.