In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Linux 7.0-rc1 is now available for testing, though creator Linus Torvalds emphasizes the major version number change reflects his preference for smaller numbers rather than revolutionary features.
- The update includes typical kernel improvements with two-thirds being driver updates, plus new hardware support for Intel Nova Lake/Diamond Lake, AMD Zen 6, and Qualcomm processors.
- Despite the “7.0” designation suggesting major changes, this release represents routine development with enhanced Apple USB-C support and requires community testing for compatibility.
The next major iteration of Linux, Linux 7.0, is now available for you to try…and once again it’s not as significant as its name implies.
That’s not unusual. Linus Torvalds, the lead developer of the Linux kernel, acknowledged in announcing the new Linux 7.0-rc1 release candidate that it got it got this version because he is “easily confused and not good with big numbers.”
“So that new major number does *not* mean that we have some big new exciting feature, or that we’re somehow leaving old interfaces behind,” Torvalds wrote. “It’s the usual “solid progress” marker, nothing more.”
Torvalds added that the new kernel update includes the usual: “two-thirds drivers, with the final third being the usual random collection of architecture updates, filesystems, tooling and random core kernel code.” Phoronix, which has dived more deeply into what’s being added, said that the new kernel has support for Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake and Diamond Lake processors, more support for AMD’s Zen 6 architecture, and hardware drivers for Qualcomm’s upcoming processors. You’ll also see better support for Apple’s USB-C physical interface, too. Torvald’s announcement also includes a list of some of the contributors and what they added.
Torvalds wrote that the 7.0 development was relatively smooth, without the “.0” bug concerns that can haunt other releases. He did catch a failure case, but solved it.
“But your milage may vary,” Torvalds added. “Which is why you should now all drop everything, run to your computers, and test-build and test-boot a shiny new kernel. The fact that it all works for *me* is good, but let’s make sure it works for others too, ok?”
The new kernel can be cloned from git.kernel.org.
Author: Mark Hachman, Senior Editor, PCWorld
Mark has written for PCWorld for the last decade, with 30 years of experience covering technology. He has authored over 3,500 articles for PCWorld alone, covering PC microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, among other topics. Mark has written for publications including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science and Electronic Buyers' News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs because his office simply has no more room.