Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin”: Exciting Updates for Desktop Users

Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed “Plucky Puffin,” is set to release on April 17, 2025, bringing a host of new features and improvements to enhance user experience, performance, and security.

The upcoming Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” release brings several enhancements aimed at improving the desktop experience. Let’s explore the key features:

🖥️ Upgraded GNOME 48 Desktop Environment

Ubuntu 25.04 introduces GNOME 48, offering a range of improvements:

Preserve Battery Health Mode: Extends laptop battery lifespan by optimizing charging cycles.
Wellbeing Panel: Provides screen time tracking to help manage usage habits.
HDR Support: Enhances display quality for compatible hardware.

These features contribute to a more efficient and user-friendly desktop environment.

🚀 Linux Kernel 6.14

The inclusion of Linux Kernel 6.14 brings:

Improved Hardware Support: Better compatibility with modern devices.
Energy Efficiency: Optimizations for reduced power consumption.
Enhanced Security: Up-to-date patches for a more secure system.

These updates ensure a stable and responsive computing experience.

🛠️ Enhanced Installer Experience

The Ubuntu Desktop installer has been refined to offer:

Option to Replace Existing Ubuntu Installations: Simplifies the reinstallation process.
Improved Dual-Boot Support: Especially beneficial for systems with BitLocker-protected Windows partitions, allowing Ubuntu installation alongside existing BitLocker partitions when sufficient unallocated space is available.

These enhancements make installation more straightforward and user-friendly.

📚 Papers: The New Default Document Viewer

Replacing Evince, Papers becomes the default document viewer, offering:

Modern Interface: A sleek and intuitive design.
Improved Performance: Faster document loading and navigation.

This change aims to provide a better document viewing experience.

🌐 BeaconDB-Powered Geolocation Services

Ubuntu 25.04 integrates BeaconDB, enhancing geolocation services used by features like:

Night Light: Adjusts screen color temperature based on location and time.
Time Zone Adjustments: Automatically updates time settings when traveling.

This integration ensures more accurate and efficient location-based services.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” introduces significant improvements that enhance the overall desktop experience. From the advanced features in GNOME 48 to the robust Linux Kernel 6.14, users can expect a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly operating system. Whether you’re a long-time Ubuntu user or considering it for the first time, this release offers compelling reasons to upgrade.

Should You Upgrade?

If you’re already using Ubuntu, this is a solid upgrade. Ubuntu 25.04 brings a more polished, faster, and secure experience for everyday desktop users—whether you’re browsing, working, studying, or just enjoying Linux. This is not an LTS release, so keep in mind that you have to keep upgrading until the next LTS release, which is set for April 2026.

And if you’re new to Ubuntu? There’s never been a better time to try it.