Ubuntu release cycle

Ubuntu releases a new version every six months. Releases of Ubuntu get a development codename ('Questing Quokka') and are versioned by the year and month of delivery – for example, Ubuntu 25.10 was released in October 2025.

Each version includes the latest features, updates, and security patches during its supported lifecycle.

Interim releases

Ubuntu's interim releases are designed for users and teams who move fast and need access to the latest kernels, languages, and toolchains. They provide cutting-edge features and hardware support every six months, but with only 9 months of updates. For long-term stability, production environments should use the LTS version, while interim releases suit those prioritizing speed and rapid feature testing.

LTS releases

LTS are released every two years and receive 5 years of standard security maintenance.

LTS releases are the go-to choice for users who value stability and extended support. These versions are security maintained for 5 years with CVE patches for packages in the Main repository. They are recommended for production environments, enterprises, and long-term projects.

Ubuntu Pro

Ubuntu Pro is Canonical's enhanced security and support subscription for Ubuntu systems. It includes up to 15 years of security coverage (ESM and Legacy add-on), Kernel Livepatch, Landscape, FIPS 140-3 certified packages, and CIS hardening, and optional enterprise-grade support.

Ubuntu Pro subscriptions are free for personal use on up to five machines.

Ubuntu package categories

Ubuntu packages are grouped into four main categories: 'Main' and 'Restricted' (the base system), and 'Universe' and 'Multiverse' (community and extra packages). 'Main' and 'Universe' are open source, while 'Restricted' and 'Multiverse' contain some non-open source software.

Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM)

ESM extends the life of LTS releases by providing 10 years of security updates for the 'Main' repository and also adds 10 years of security coverage for the 'Universe' repository.

Available through Ubuntu Pro, it provides continued critical and high security patches after standard security maintenance ends for packages in Main, and for thousands of open-source packages in the Universe repository.

Support

Full phone and ticketing break and bug fix support is available for Ubuntu Main and Universe repositories and the full open source stack, from infrastructure to applications, with Ubuntu Pro + Support.

Legacy add-on

At the end of the 10 year ESM period, the Legacy add-on can be purchased to cover additional 5 years of the lifetime of Ubuntu LTS, giving a total of 15 years security maintenance and support for LTS releases.

1-5 years

Security:

• Standard Security Maintenance for packages in Main
• Expanded Security Maintenance for packages in UniverseUbuntu Pro

Support:

• Break fix and bug supportUbuntu Pro

6-10 years

Security:

• Expanded Security Maintenance for packages in UniverseUbuntu Pro

Support:

• Break fix and bug supportUbuntu Pro

11-15 years

Security:

• Legacy add-on for security coverage and supportUbuntu Pro

Support:

• Legacy coverage for break fix and bug supportUbuntu Pro

Deb packages

At the core of every Ubuntu release is a collection of 'deb' packages. Carefully tested for compatibility, debs use structured dependency management so all necessary software is installed and works together seamlessly.

Snap packages

Ubuntu supports 'snap' packages, ideal for apps and tools that update frequently and independently from the main system. Snaps offer access to the latest versions of popular software, with strong security and easy version control.

Snaps can run in a secure, confined environment with limited system access, or as 'classic' snaps with broader access – similar to debs. Choose snaps from trusted publishers, especially when using classic confinement.

Charms

Charms are software operators – business logic encapsulated in reusable software packages that automate every aspect of an application's life.

Rocks

Rocks are minimal, optimized container images built from Debian packages, designed for secure, stable, and efficient containerized deployments. They are compatible with popular container tools like Docker and Kubernetes, helping administrators manage infrastructure with lightweight, focused images that reduce vulnerabilities and overhead.

Chiseled Rocks take this approach further by removing shells, package managers, and other non-essential components, offering ultra-minimal images with an even smaller attack surface for high-security, production-grade environments.

Ubuntu Classic

Ubuntu comes in various editions and minimal installs. “Classic” Ubuntu uses deb packages and supports snaps for specific apps, available across different desktop flavors and server/cloud images.

Ubuntu Core

Ubuntu Core is an all-snap edition designed for appliances and IoT. With a lightweight, strictly confined architecture, it's highly secure and reliable – perfect for large-scale, embedded deployments.

Ubuntu Minimal

Ubuntu Minimal is a lightweight image that includes only the essential packages, making it ideal for building custom environments or optimizing deployments for performance and footprint. It provides an efficient foundation for containers, virtual machines, and specialized workloads requiring fine-grained control. Ubuntu Minimal images are available for all major public clouds, including AWS, Google Cloud and Azure.

Ubuntu Flavors

Ubuntu flavors are community-maintained variants that offer different desktop environments and user experiences. The release cycle for flavours may differ from those described here. For release details and support policies specific to a flavor, please consult its official website or documentation.