Remember Ubuntu Touch? For those who dreamed of a truly open and convergent mobile operating system, the name evokes a sense of nostalgia and what could have been. While Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, officially ended its support in 2017, the story didn't end there. Thanks to the passionate, volunteer-driven community under the German charitable foundation UBports, Ubuntu Touch isn't just alive—it's thriving.
This week, the project reaches its most significant milestone in years: the stable release of Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0. This new version represents a monumental leap forward, rebuilding the entire system on the solid foundation of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), a long-term support release guaranteed to receive security updates for years to come.
A New Foundation for the Future
The jump to an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS core is the star of this release. For the developers at UBports, this wasn't a simple task. Much of the development effort was dedicated to the meticulous work of ensuring flawless compatibility between the existing user-facing elements of Ubuntu Touch and the modernized core beneath. Think of it as replacing the entire foundation of a house while keeping the family living comfortably inside—a complex engineering feat.
This new foundation brings inherent benefits, including updated kernel support, newer drivers, and a more secure and stable base for the entire operating system. It future-proofs the project and opens doors for further innovation.
But it’s not all under-the-hood work. The development team has also packed this release with a host of user-facing improvements and new features that refine the daily experience. For all the details straight from the source, the official release announcement on the UBports blog provides a comprehensive technical deep-dive.
What's New in Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0?
While the core upgrade is the main event, users will find plenty to be excited about. Here are some of the standout features in this release:
- A Fresh New Look: For the first time in eight years, the project has unveiled new community-made logos. This visual refresh signals a new chapter for Ubuntu Touch and modernizes its identity.
- Light Shell Mode: Personalization is key, and a new Light shell mode is now accessible via System Settings > Background & Appearance. This offers a brighter, alternative aesthetic to the traditional dark theme, giving users more control over their device's look and feel.
- Enhanced Privacy with Experimental Encryption: In an era where data privacy is paramount, UBports is introducing experimental support for on-device personal data encryption. This is a major step towards providing users with robust security to protect their sensitive information.
- Redesigned Phone App for Modern Screens: The essential Phone app has received a visual overhaul. Its new layout is specifically conceived for larger screens, making it more intuitive and comfortable to use on today's devices.
- Improved Connectivity with New USB Mode: Tethering and file transfer become more straightforward with a new USB mode setting. This includes dedicated support for internet sharing, turning your Ubuntu Touch device into a modem for your computer with ease.
Alongside these highlights, the update includes a plethora of minor tweaks, performance enhancements, and bug fixes, contributing to a smoother and more polished overall user experience.
How to Get the Update and Which Devices Are Supported?
For existing Ubuntu Touch users, the path to 24.04-1.0 requires a two-step process. Devices must first be upgraded to the previous base version, 20.04 OTA-10. Once that update is applied, the system will then be ready to receive and install the new 24.04-1.0 update.
The project continues to support an impressive and diverse range of over two dozen devices, championing the right to repair and device longevity. The supported roster includes modern devices like the Fairphone 5, the recently released Rabbit R1 (which you can find on Amazon for $199), and a variety of Sony Xperia, OnePlus, and Xiaomi models. Popular supported devices include the OnePlus 6 and 6T, as well as several Xiaomi 9 handsets like the Redmi 9, 9 Prime, Note 9, and Note 9 Pro.
The Legacy Lives On
The release of Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 is more than just a software update; it's a powerful statement. It proves that dedicated communities can not only maintain but actively evolve projects abandoned by corporate backers. For users seeking an alternative to the iOS and Android duopoly, UBports offers a mature, privacy-focused, and truly open-source option that respects user freedom and breathes new life into old hardware. The legacy of Ubuntu Touch is not just being kept alive—it's being written anew.
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