Ubuntu 26.10 Stonking Stingray: Key Dates and What to Expect

Get ready for the next non-LTS release of Ubuntu, codenamed Stonking Stingray. Canonical has shared the tentative schedule for Ubuntu 26.10, marking important milestones from feature freeze to the final launch. Below we answer common questions about this release cycle, including exact dates, what the milestones mean, and how you can prepare.

When is the official release date for Ubuntu 26.10 Stonking Stingray?

Ubuntu 26.10 (Stonking Stingray) is scheduled for release on October 15, 2026. This date is provisional and subject to change as development progresses. Canonical typically sets a target date early in the cycle, but last-minute delays or readiness issues can shift the launch. The final release marks the end of the development process and the availability of stable ISO images for installation. It's a good idea to mark your calendar but also keep an eye on the feature freeze date and other milestones to know when the OS enters its stabilization phase.

What is the feature freeze date and why does it matter?

The feature freeze for Ubuntu 26.10 is set for August 10, 2026. On this date, developers stop adding new features to the main packages so that the team can shift focus entirely to bug fixing, testing, and polishing. After feature freeze, only critical fixes for regressions, security issues, or major bugs are allowed. This milestone is crucial for ensuring a stable release. Users who want to test the very latest features should install daily builds before the freeze; after that, changes become more conservative. The freeze typically last until the final release, about two months later.

What is the codename “Stonking Stingray” all about?

Ubuntu codenames follow an alphabetical pattern with two-part names, often pairing an adjective with an animal. For version 26.10, the codename is Stonking Stingray. “Stonking” is a British slang term meaning excellent or very impressive, while “stingray” is a marine animal. This continues the tradition of whimsical, memorable names that began with Ubuntu 4.10 “Warty Warthog”. While the codename doesn't affect functionality, it adds a fun personality to each release and helps the community identify development cycles. You'll see ‘Stonking Stingray’ in system tools, package repositories, and community discussions until the next version replaces it.

What other important milestones are in the development schedule?

Beyond the final release and feature freeze, Ubuntu 26.10 includes several other key dates. Typically, the cycle starts shortly after the previous release (Ubuntu 26.04 LTS) with early daily builds. An alpha milestone may occur around June–July, followed by a beta in August or September. A release candidate (RC) is often built in late September or early October. Canonical also sets a kernel freeze date, a Debian import freeze, and a final freeze (no changes at all) about a week before the launch. The exact dates for these are published on the Ubuntu Release Schedule wiki. The schedule is tentative, so always verify closer to the event.

How long will Ubuntu 26.10 be supported?

As a non-LTS (Long Term Support) release, Ubuntu 26.10 will receive 9 months of support from its launch date. This means security updates and critical bug fixes will be provided until approximately July 2027. After that, you will need to upgrade to the next version (Ubuntu 27.04) or switch to an LTS release like Ubuntu 26.04 for longer support. The 9-month window is standard for interim releases, allowing users to always run the latest software but requiring more frequent upgrades. For production environments or users who prefer stability over novelty, sticking with LTS releases is recommended.

How can I download or test Ubuntu 26.10 before the final release?

During the development cycle, you can download daily live ISO images from the Ubuntu daily live server. These builds are generated every day and include the latest changes. For milestone testing (alpha, beta, RC), Canonical publishes specific images with release notes. You can also use the upgrade tool from an existing Ubuntu installation by adding the appropriate repositories. However, be aware that development builds may contain bugs and are not recommended for production use. Always back up your data before testing. After the final release on October 15, 2026, ISO files will be available on the main Ubuntu website.

What should users of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS do when 26.10 arrives?

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS users are not required to upgrade to 26.10. LTS releases are supported for 5 years (or 10 with Ubuntu Pro), so you can remain on 26.04 until its end-of-life. However, if you want the latest software, kernel, and desktop environment (GNOME) improvements, you can upgrade directly from 26.04 to 26.10. Note that non-LTS versions may introduce newer system libraries or configurations that could break compatibility with older applications. To upgrade, ensure your system is fully updated, then run do-release-upgrade after the 26.10 release. For a safer path, wait until a point release (like 26.10.1) or test the upgrade on a non-critical machine first.