The first point release of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is now available to download.
Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS combines all the bug fixes, app updates, and security patches that have been issued to the OS since the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS release back in April to create a brand new download image.
This point release combines all the bug fixes, app updates, and security patches issued to 18.04 so far
Point releases are available for other flavors of Ubuntu too, including Ubuntu Budgie and Ubuntu MATE.
Freshly spun ISOs aside, the arrival of Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS also marks the point at which users of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) will begin to see an Ubuntu 18.04 upgrade notification.
Until now users on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS who wanted to upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS had to do so manually via an opt-in in the Software & Updates tool. As of today that effort is no longer necessary.
Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS Changes
Point releases do not bring major new features, but they do bring convenience. They integrate all the various updates, patches and tweaks issued to date into a neat, new and easily deployable image.
Among those fixes you’ll find:
- Better metric collection in Ubuntu Report
- Support for installing on NVMe with RAID1
- Fix for a typo that made update-manager report crash
- Misc unattended-upgrade fixes
- Ubuntu welcome tool now mentions dock and notifications
- Patches to make audio work on Lenovo machines with dual audio codecs
- Restore New Tab menu item in GNOME Terminal
- New “Thunderbolt” panel in Settings app
Refer to the full changes summary for a dizzying amount of detail on these changes and more, and take note of the Ubuntu security notices up to July 24.
Upgrade Ubuntu 16.04 to 18.04? Be Careful!
If you plan to upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04 from 16.04 you better brace yourself for change
With the arrival of the point release comes the opportunity to upgrade from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to 18.04 LTS.
If you intend to take advantage of this option then please brace yourself for change. Do not click “upgrade” idly.
Remember to backup of any important files before you begin and make sure your network connection is stable — you don’t want to be left with a half-upgraded system!
Once back up you can look forward to the raft of major features and changes offered by the “Bionic Beaver”, including:
- New GNOME Shell desktop
- GDM login/lock screen
- Linux Kernel 4.15
- Support for Thunderbolt 3
- Night Light feature
- Updated apps, inc. LibreOffice 6.1
- Set of Snap apps by default
- New on-screen keyboard
- Support for color emoji
- New ‘To-Do’ app
And that’s just scratching the surface.
Read our Ubuntu 18.04 review for more detail on all of the new features, changes, apps and improvements, gander at choice screenshots, and learn more background on the whats and whys.
In a rush? You can bring yourself up to speed on what’s new in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS by watching our video below:
Check out our list of Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 18.04
Why was there a delay?
Ubuntu LTS releases are the most widely used versions of Ubuntu, with tens of millions of users relying on them around the world.
The three-month buffer period between the first release of a LTS (April) and the first point release (July) lets Ubuntu developers tackle any last-minute bugs and iron out previously unknown issues.
This helps to make sure that all 16.04 to 18.04 upgrades go as smoothly as possible and are as stable as possible — a key concern for those who choose to use a LTS release in the first place.
Do I need to upgrade if I’m already running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS?
Did you upgrade or install Ubuntu 18.04 LTS earlier this year? If so, you do not need to do anything to “get” this release because, technically, you already have it!
If you’re running Ubuntu 18.04 already you do not need to upgrade (because there’s nothing to upgrade to)
Provided you have installed any and all updates as and when released you are in effect bang up to date.
There are no major differences between the version you’re running and the version just released (though those who install using the new ISO will see a 16.0.4.1 version number shown in the system settings > details panel).
Is there a new kernel version?
In addition to the convenience of not having to install oodles of updates after install, Ubuntu point releases often include a new Hardware Enablement stack (HWE).
Point releases often feature an updated Linux kernel and graphics stack – but this one doesn’t
The HWE combines an updated graphics stack (handy if you’re a gamer) with a more recent Linux kernel version. This allows the OS stay to compatible with newer hardware and technologies for the duration of its five-year lifecycle.
However, the first point release (i.e. this one) does not include a HWE. Ubuntu 18.04.1 ships with the same Linux kernel and xserver as the initial release back in April.
Ubuntu 18.04.2 due in February 2019 will bring a new hardware enablement stack with it, derived from Ubuntu 18.10.
You can see Canonical’s 18.04.x kernel support schedule in this graphic:
Download Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS
You can download the Ubuntu 18.04.1 ISO images from the Ubuntu release server page using the following link:
Download Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS (64-bit .iso)
Alternatively, snag yourself an Ubuntu 18.04.1 torrent using these links:
Download Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS (64-bit .torrent)
Summary
The first point release of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is available to download. This is an updated ISO image that features app updates and bug fixes. Users of Ubuntu 16.04 will also start to be notified of the new release from today.
- Ubuntu 18.04.1 point release is a new ISO image
- Integrates all updates issued to Ubuntu 18.04 to date
- Reduces the number of updates required after a new install
- Future point releases will include a newer Linux kernel
- 16.04 users will get the upgrade notification
Those of you on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS: do you plan to bound on over to the Bionic Beaver?