Just weeks after the release of the Long term Support kernel 6.18, Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate for Linux 6.19,initiating a testing phase expected to yield a stable release in early February 2026. The new kernel promises performance enhancements for both desktop and portable platforms, including improved support for AMD hardware and the popular Steam Deck. Notably, this release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to integrate the Rust programming language into the Linux kernel, with the first fully functional drivers now under growth.
Just two weeks after the stable release of Linux 6.18, which is slated for Long Term Support (LTS) until December 2027, development continues at a rapid pace. Linus Torvalds has officially announced the merge window’s closure and the immediate availability of the first Release Candidate (RC) for the Linux 6.19 kernel, kicking off the testing phase for this new version.
The upcoming release promises a wide range of improvements, from support for new hardware to structural changes in the way code is written. This marks a significant step forward in the adoption of new programming languages within the core of the operating system, potentially enhancing security and long-term stability.
Expanded Support for Intel, AMD, and Steam Deck
As is typical with each new cycle, hardware support receives significant attention. Linux 6.19 RC1 introduces initial support for Intel’s Xe3P graphics architecture, as well as audio improvements for the Nova Lake S platform. A generic SoundWire SCDA class driver with regmap support has also been added, alongside important updates to the DRM Color Pipeline API for color management.
Gamers and portable device enthusiasts will be pleased to hear of new developments for AMD platforms. This version includes hardware monitoring (hwmon) support specifically for the Steam Deck APU, enabling more precise control over performance metrics and temperature readings of the popular Valve console directly within the mainline kernel.
Additional technical additions include new features for the objtool utility and a klp-build script designed to generate livepatch modules using a .patch file as a source. Support has also been implemented in the file systems to increase the minimum size of writeback blocks, aiming for greater efficiency in data writing.
Rust Gains Ground in the Kernel
Perhaps the most historically significant aspect of this release is the continued integration of the Rust programming language. While previous efforts focused on preparation and infrastructure, version 6.19 appears to be the first to integrate fully functional drivers written entirely in Rust.
According to information shared by Linus Torvalds on the kernel mailing list, development in Rust is moving from preparation to “actual driver and subsystem development.” This shift represents a significant step in modernizing the Linux codebase, potentially offering increased memory safety and long-term stability. The move underscores the growing trend of utilizing newer languages within established operating system kernels.
To improve the user experience on modern laptops, the Terminus 10×18 bitmap console font has also been added, offering superior readability on high-density displays.
The final, stable release of Linux 6.19 is currently scheduled for early February 2026. The exact date will depend on the stability of the upcoming weeks of testing: if only seven Release Candidates are needed, the final version will arrive on February 1st; if an eighth RC is required, the release will occur on February 8th.
