Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Plans Confirmed For Linux 6.20 / Linux 7.0 - Phoronix

Canonical has confirmed plans for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon): it will ship with the newest upstream Linux kernel available at release—targeting Linux 6.20, which is likely to be rebadged as Linux 7.0.

Key takeaways:

• Continues Canonical's policy to ship each Ubuntu release with the latest upstream kernel; Ubuntu 25.10 launched on Linux 6.17.
• The Linux 6.20 merge window opens in early February, with the stable kernel expected in April—just ahead of the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release.
• Linus Torvalds typically bumps the major version after x.19, so 6.20 may be labeled 7.0.
• Either way, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS lands with a fresh, modern kernel for long-term support.

Source: https://www.phoronix.com/news/Ubuntu-26.04-Kernel-Plans