Recently, the Ubuntu development team released some of the changes that will be included with the Ubuntu 25.10 version, scheduled for launch on October 9, 2025.
This release will bring significant new features for desktop users, starting with the replacement of two key applications with more modern alternatives, as well as various improvements in compatibility, security, and overall usability.
Loupe and Ptyxis: The New Faces of the Image Viewer and Terminal
As is customary and many of you will know, With each new release of Ubuntu, the latest version of GNOME is included, and in the case of Ubuntu 25.10 it will feature Gnome 49 and updated shell extensions and a renewed user interface, aligned with upstream Gnome.
Other changes that stand out are the default inclusion of Magnifying glass as an image viewer and Ptyxis as a terminal emulator (already mentioned by our colleague Pablinux), replacing the classic Eye of GNOME and GNOME Terminal, respectively. Both applications have gained popularity after their integration into Fedora and are now coming to the Ubuntu ecosystem as part of an effort to modernize the desktop.
For those unaware of Magnifying glass, you should know that this is developed as the official GNOME viewer since version 45Is written in Rust and uses the Glycine library for image processing. It offers a Lightweight interface with optimized performance, GPU-accelerated rendering, and process isolation for secure decoding via sandbox. Also includes useful features such as smooth transitions between images, basic editing tools (cropping, rotating, mirroring), printing options, a sidebar with metadata, and quick access to copy or delete files.
Ptyxis, on the other hand, is a modern terminal written in C, based on GTK 4, which stands out for its native compatibility with container environments such as Toolbox, Distrobox, Podman and JHBuild. Its graphics engine makes use of Vulkan and OpenGL, This translates into significantly faster rendering speeds than the traditional terminal. It also offers a responsive interface with support for dark and light themes, and an overview mode that allows for more efficient visual navigation between multiple sessions.
Graphical improvements, security, and expanded support
Beyond the default apps, Ubuntu 25.10 will incorporate important advances at the level of graphical experience, compatibility with emerging architectures and new security options:
- The composer GNOME Mutter will now support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), a technology that dynamically adjusts the monitor's refresh rate, improving fluidity during video playback and gaming sessions.
- Improved Wayland support on systems using NVIDIA GPUs, a task that historically presented technical challenges. This reinforces the goal of making Wayland the default and most stable option.
- As for new architectures, Ubuntu will offer a full desktop session for RISC-V, including support for key applications such as Firefox and Thunderbird, thus expanding its presence in alternative systems and embedded devices.
Frictionless encryption and dynamic permission control
On the security improvements side, one of the most anticipated developments is the Stabilization of full disk encryption with TPM integration (Trusted Platform Module). This mechanism will allow disks to be automatically decrypted during boot without the need to enter a password, improving usability without compromising data protection.
Also Progress is being made on the dynamic permit application system, particularly useful for managing Snap applications' access to user files. By using AppArmor and deeper integration with GNOME Shell, users will see clear and controlled prompts when an application requires access to sensitive resources, such as documents in the home directory.
Landscape comes to the installer: more power for administrators
Lastly, The Ubuntu installer will integrate direct support for Landscape, Canonical's systems management platform. This new will facilitate to business administrators automatic download of configuration files for unattended installations, improving the management of equipment fleets from a centralized console.
Finally, if you are interested in knowing more about it, you can consult the details in the following link