Ubuntu Studio 26.04 LTS arrives with interface tweaks and updated multimedia applications

Pablinux

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Ubuntu Studio 26.04

Ubuntu Studio 26.04 LTS It is now availableUntil 2020, this edition relied on Xfce for its lightweight nature. But Plasma performed exceptionally well, offering a more versatile graphical environment that increasingly appeals to users, prompting the switch. Initially, the panel was placed at the top, but taking advantage of the Resolute Raccoon launch and popular demand, they decided to move it to the bottom.

That's one of the new features of Ubuntu Studio 26.04. The bottom panel will be the default layerBut they've also left open the option of placing the panel at the top and another macOS-style layout. All this to ensure that any type of user feels comfortable.

Highlights of Ubuntu Studio 26.04

  • Supported for 3 years, until April 2029.
  • Linux 7.0.
  • plasma 6.4.
  • Firefox 149, which will be updated immediately to Firefox 150.
  • LibreOffice 26.2.2, the February 2026 edition with two maintenance fixes.
  • Python 3.14.4.
  • GCC 15.2.
  • Open JDK 25.
  • gilbc 2.43.
  • Table 26.0.
  • systemd 259.5.
  • APT 3.2.
  • GCC 15.2.
  • PipeWire 1.4.7.
  • binutils 2.46.
  • Blue Z 5.85.
  • GStreamer 1.28.2.
  • Blender 5.0.1
  • Kdenlive 25.12.3
  • Krita 6.0.1
  • GIMP 3.2.2
  • Ardor 9.0.0
  • NOTE Studio 32.1.0
  • New packages:
    • Loopino — A lightweight, creative audio sampler with drag-and-drop sample loading, real-time recording, full ADSR envelope, filters, and effects. Available as a standalone application, CLAP plugin, and VST2 plugin, making it a flexible addition to any audio production workflow.
    • DistroAV Formerly known as obs-ndi, DistroAV adds NDI (Network Audio/Video) support to OBS Studio, enabling high-quality, low-latency, multi-channel audio and video streaming over a local network. Ideal for live streaming and networked A/V production environments. It is not installed by default; you can install it by running sudo apt install distroav In the terminal.
    • snd-hdspe — An updated ALSA kernel driver for RME HDSPe PCIe sound cards (MADI, AES, RayDAT, AIO, and AIO Pro). This maintained fork of the original driver provides compatibility with newer kernels and extends hardware control via standard ALSA interfaces, offering RME professional users a reliable solution. It is not installed by default; if you have compatible RME hardware, install it with sudo apt install snd-hdspe.
    • Plasma PipeWire Settings — A panel widget for KDE Plasma 6 that lets you adjust PipeWire's quantum and sample rate on the fly, without touching configuration files. It's included by default and appears in the system tray, complementing Ubuntu Studio Audio Configuration to keep the most common settings readily available.
    • Plasma Window Title Applet — A panel applet for Plasma 6 that displays the title of the active window. It is used in the macOS-style desktop layout to complete the global menu experience.
  • Skanpage replaces Skanlite for scanning documents.
  • rubberband-lv2 replaces rubberband-ladspa.
  • The installer and audio configuration tool have been rewritten and now support more languages.

Ubuntu Studio 26.04 is now available from its official website and via the button below. Upgrades from Ubuntu Studio 25.10 will be available soon. Users of version 24.04 will have to wait until mid-2026.