The sixth release candidate (RC6) for the upcoming Linux Kernel 6.15 is now available for download. The majority of the changes in this release involve driver updates, particularly for graphics and networking, alongside fixes across various other kernel subsystems such as architecture, filesystems, and core networking.
In the kernel 6.15-rc6 announcement mail, Linus noted that the release candidate cycle is looking "fairly normal". While there were a few more changes included this week compared to the last test version (RC5), he sees this as just typical back-and-forth activity rather than a worrying sign.
The really good news is that with about two weeks left in the usual schedule, it still "feels like everything is on track" for the final release.
What's New in Kernel 6.15-rc6?
This test version brings a mix of fixes and improvements.
About half of all the changes are for "drivers". GPU (graphics) and networking drivers are getting a lot of attention this week, as usual, but there are also many other smaller fixes for different types of hardware.
The other half of the changes are spread out across various parts of the kernel. These include important areas like:
- Architecture fixes: This relates to how Linux works on different types of computer processors.
- Filesystems: These are the parts of the kernel that manage how data is stored and organised on your disks. Some filesystems getting updates include ocfs2, btrfs, bcachefs, smb, and erofs.
- Core networking: More general improvements to how your computer connects and communicates over networks.
- And a variety of other miscellaneous fixes.
Overall, the changes in 6.15-rc6 are described as the "usual ones" you expect at this stage of testing.
A Quick Aside from Linus
In unrelated news, Linus also shared a personal story about his keyboard.
He tried using a quieter keyboard for six months but has now gone back to a noisy one with "clicky blue cherry switches". He feels that the sound or feel helps him type better and avoid mistakes.
He mentioned this in case anyone noticed typos in his previous messages, blaming the old keyboard. He then joked that from now on, he'll blame autocorrect instead.
Try Linux Kernel 6.15 RC6
So, the Linux 6.15 release candidate cycle continues. With things generally on track and the focus on refining drivers, filesystems, and other core parts, we can look forward to the final release coming soon.
You can download and try Linux Kernel 6.15 RC6 from the Kernel.org website or the Linus Torvalds's git tree.
Stay tuned for more updates!
