Linux Lite 8.0 Released with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Base
Linux Lite 8.0 Released with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Base
https://linuxiac.com/linux-lite-8-0-released-with-ubuntu-26-04-lts-base/
Publish Date: 2026-06-01 04:02:00
Source Domain: linuxiac.com
Linux Lite 8.0 “Hematite” launches as the first release in the Series 8 cycle, featuring a major platform update based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute.”
This release runs on Linux Lite’s custom 7.0 Advanced Performance Kernels, introducing a new installer, GTK4-based applications, expanded translations, new desktop tools, and custom kernels optimized for desktop responsiveness.
A key change is the switch from Ubiquity to the Calamares installer. Calamares now manages language, time zone, keyboard layout, disk setup, and account creation, featuring Linux Lite branding and OEM installation support. It also adds Btrfs and XFS filesystem options, while retaining EXT4 for standard installs.
Linux Lite 8.0 also migrates APT source files to the DEB822 .sources format, replacing .list files. Firefox returns as the default browser, and Thunderbird remains included. The project now hosts Firefox and Thunderbird packages directly, eliminating the previous PPA setup.
Linux Lite 8.0
Several default tools have changed, too. Btop replaces Htop as the terminal system monitor, Fastfetch replaces Neofetch, and Starship replaces Powerline as the shell prompt. The Synaptic Package Manager is replaced by an expanded Lite Software app, now serving as the main graphical software manager with a Snap package filter.
On the kernel side, Linux Lite 8.0 includes a custom desktop kernel, linuxlite, and an optional linuxlite-gaming kernel for users seeking lower latency. Both are based on Ubuntu kernel sources and feature scheduler enhancements such as EEVDF and BORE. The default kernel uses dynamic preemption; the gaming kernel uses full preemption.
Additionally, the distro introduces Lite Kernel Manager, a graphical tool for managing Linux Lite kernels. It also offers benchmarking features, allowing users to upload results and compare system performance.
Linux Lite’s applications have migrated to GTK4, replacing GTK3 and WebKit2 versions. Moreover,…
