Linus Torvalds announced the first release candidate (RC1) of Linux Kernel 6.13 on 1st December 2024. This release marks the end of the merge window for this kernel version. Linux Kernel 6.13-rc1 introduces numerous updates across various subsystems and architectural improvements.
Table of Contents
Kernel 6.13 RC1 Highlights
Timing and Development Cycle
Linus Torvalds noted a unique aspect of this release cycle: for potentially the first time, the development timeline does not clash with the holiday season.
Linus wrote in the Kernel 6.13-rc1 announcement:
[…]
And for once - possibly the first time ever(*) - it looks like the
release cycle doesn't clash horribly up with the holiday season, and
we'll have time both to stabilize this release, and the work for
6.14 won't be starting until well into January.
[…]
This provides developers with ample time to stabilize the current release and allows for a more relaxed approach to the upcoming 6.14 development cycle.
Subsystem Updates Overview
The release encompasses extensive updates across multiple kernel domains:
Core System Components
- Virtual File System (VFS) saw significant changes
- Substantial updates to process management
- Improvements in memory management
- Enhanced locking mechanisms
- Scheduler optimizationsKent Overstreet has been banned
Architecture-Specific Updates
- ARM64 architecture improvements
- x86 platform enhancements
- RISC-V updates
- PowerPC refinements
- S390 system updates
Driver and Hardware Support
- Comprehensive USB and Thunderbolt driver updates
- Extensive graphics (DRM) improvements
- Enhanced input device support
- Updated hardware monitoring drivers
- Expanded device tree support
Key Technical Contributions
File Systems and Storage
- Overlay filesystem updates
- Improved ext4 functionality
- BTRFS enhancements
- F2FS refinements
- NFS client updates
Security and Access Control
- AppArmor updates
- SELinux improvements
- Seccomp enhancements
- Kernel Concurrency Sanitizer (KCSAN) updates
Performance and Tracing
- Advanced ftrace capabilities
- Tracing tools improvements
- Performance event updates
- Enhanced eBPF support
Power Management
- ACPI updates
- Thermal control improvements
- Power management optimizations
Bcachefs is not included in Kernel 6.13
A week ago, Bcachefs developer Kent Overstreet has been banned from the entire development cycle of Kernel 6.13. Consequently, no Bcachefs updates will be included in this release. You can read more details about this ban in the link given below:
Hopefully, these issues will be resolved in the next kernel version.
Expected Release Date for Linux Kernel 6.13 Final Version
Based on the typical Linux kernel release cycle, we can expect the final version of Linux 6.13 approximately 6-8 weeks after the release of 6.13-rc1.
Given that the 6.13-rc1 was released on December 1st, 2024, the final version would likely be available in mid-to-late January 2025. The exact date depends on the stability of the release candidates and the number of fixes required during the stabilization process.
Linus Torvalds usually follows a consistent pattern:
- Release -rc1 (which just happened)
- Follow up with weekly release candidates (rc2, rc3, rc4, etc.)
- Once the kernel appears stable and no major issues are detected, release the final version
The 6.13-rc1 release notes hint at a potentially relaxed development cycle due to the holiday season, which might slightly impact the precise timing. Torvalds mentioned that the 6.14 development won't start until well into January, suggesting a potentially extended stabilization period for 6.13.
Try Linux Kernel 6.13 RC1
We encourage the users and developers to test this release candidate thoroughly.
Linux kernel 6.13-rc1 can be downloaded from the Kernel.org website or the Linus Torvalds's git tree.
The development team anticipates a potentially smaller 6.14 release, acknowledging the potential reduction in contributions during the holiday season. This approach ensures maintainability and allows developers a well-deserved break.
