Ubuntu is replacing some legacy tools in 26.04 LTS

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Ubuntu is shaking up its default application lineup for the upcoming 26.04 Long Term Support (LTS) release. The developers will be swapping out the classic Totem video player and GNOME System Monitor for two new options called Showtime and Resources.

Canonical’s Desktop team is moving applications toward a more modern, consistent look. Both new apps, Showtime and Resources, are built using GTK4 and libadwaita. This means they should integrate well and look far more consistent with the rest of the updated desktop environment. The older applications, while functional, definitely started showing their age when placed next to newer GNOME components.

The team is also tracking the upstream GNOME cycle closely, so users can expect the latest improvements to land in GNOME 50. The video player swap is probably the least surprising move. Totem has been the default video player for Ubuntu since 2004.

While it certainly works, it isn’t the best choice for most people in 2025. The replacement, Showtime, is a GNOME Core App and features an immersive UI. This change was largely expected since Showtime already replaced Totem upstream in GNOME 49. If you want to try it out right now, you don’t have to wait for the final 26.04 release. You caninstall Showtime now.

The replacement for GNOME System Monitor is a little more interesting. The new application, Resources, is not a GNOME Core App, but it is part of the GNOME Circle. This means it’s a community-made tool that meets GNOME’s quality standards. Resources is designed to let users monitor hardware usage and manage system processes. It can also list and terminate running graphical applications.

Canonical considered Mission Center, another popular modern system monitor, but ultimately settled on Resources. If you’d like to test Resources today, you can downloadthe latest release through Flathub.

For those who are dedicated to the older tools, don’t worry. Both Totem and GNOME System Monitor will remain available to install from the Ubuntu archives. If you upgrade to 26.04 LTS from an earlier version, the old apps won't be forcibly uninstalled. The new apps will simply be installed alongside them.

Beyond the app swaps, 26.04 is bringing significant under-the-hood polish. Canonical is working hard to make applications packaged as Snaps feel fully native. This includes refining how the shell and portals recognize apps and improving behavior in launchers and file associations.

The team is also laying the groundwork for future improvements to the Linux audio stack by exploring new packaging approaches for PipeWire. While this isn't about replacing existing Debian packages in this release, this will set a stronger foundation for the future of Ubuntu Core Desktop.

Ubuntu 26.04 is also bringing TPM-backed full-disk encryption to general availability. New features let users add or remove a PIN or passphrase after installation. You can even re-encrypt a disk directly from the Security Center, which is a big deal for peace of mind.

Finally, Ubuntu is tackling the confusing sprawl of software management tools. Today, you might use App Center, Software Properties, or Update Manager to handle installs. The goal for 26.04 is to centralize software management and make App Center the single place to handle all applications, regardless of packaging format.

The final release of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is scheduled for April 23, 2026, with the Feature Freeze set for February 16, 2026.

Source:Ubuntu