SIGNALInfrastructure Software·Jun 30, 2026, 10:45 AMSignal30Short term

Raspberry Pi OS gets a new kernel but apparently not a new version number

Source: The Register

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Raspberry Pi OS gets a new kernel but apparently not a new version number

Linux 6.18 arrives with a few desktop tweaks, while the neglected x86 edition remains stuck on Debian 11

Why this matters
Why now

The regular cadence of open-source software development includes periodic kernel updates reflecting ongoing progress and maintenance.

Why it’s important

This update indicates a continued commitment to improving the Raspberry Pi OS experience, crucial for its widespread adoption in various applications.

What changes

Users of Raspberry Pi OS will gain access to a more updated kernel with potential performance and compatibility improvements, although the OS version number remains unchanged.

Winners
  • · Raspberry Pi Foundation
  • · Developers using Raspberry Pi OS
  • · IOT device manufacturers
Losers
  • · No clear losers
Second-order effects
Direct

Raspberry Pi devices running the updated OS will benefit from improved stability and feature support from the newer Linux kernel.

Second

The neglect of the x86 edition could lead to a divergence in development efforts, potentially centralizing the focus on ARM-based Raspberry Pi hardware.

Third

This continued evolution contributes to the Raspberry Pi's role as a low-cost, accessible platform for diverse computing projects, subtly influencing grassroots technology adoption.

Editorial confidence: 85 / 100 · Structural impact: 10 / 100
Original report

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