The elementary project released elementary OS 8.1 on December 22, 2025. It refines what arrived with the 8 series and takes a solid step forward in security, accessibility and hardware compatibility. The release builds on Ubuntu’s long-term support Hardware Enablement (HWE) stack and ships with the Linux 6.14 kernel.
The biggest change you’ll notice is that the Wayland-based Secure Session is now the default. The X11 Classic Session stays around as a fallback for anyone who hits problems. That session adds fractional display scaling, multi-monitor improvements and password dialogs that prevent focus-stealing, plus new AppArmor profiles that fix Flatpak sandbox issues.
Here are some of the changes that stand out in elementary OS 8.1:
- First ARM64 (AArch64) builds for UEFI-booting devices, opening the door to Apple Silicon machines and compatible Raspberry Pi boards.
- Reworked Dock: multiple running indicators for apps with several windows, an integrated workspace switcher and better animations when switching workspaces.
- Improved AppCenter: app ratings, platform-specific screenshots, faster two-column search results and controller compatibility indicators.
- Two new default apps: Monitor, to keep an eye on system resources and processes, and Maps, with Explore, Transit and your current location.
- Accessibility gains: you can now install and set up the whole system without vision in most cases, and the screen reader works better across Notifications, Calendar and Settings.
All told, this release fixes over 1,100 issue reports, and it updates apps such as Music, Files, Code and Terminal.
elementary OS is a Linux distribution focused on thoughtful design, privacy and ease of use, built on the Pantheon desktop. If you want a tidy, coherent and data-respecting experience, it fits well, especially if you’re coming from macOS or want a clean, distraction-free system.
You can find all the details and downloads on its LinuxGratis profile.
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