Linus Torvalds tagged and pushed out the seventh release candidate (RC7) for the upcoming Linux Kernel version 6.18 on 23 November 2025. Since this is the last planned release before the final version, this small update gives us great confidence in the stability of Linux 6.18.
In the Kernel 6.18-rc7 release announcement mail, Linus expects the final Linux 6.18 release to arrive next weekend.
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Linux 6.18 RC7 is Smaller and Better
The previous release, RC6, gave some users problems. A serious issue appeared at the last minute: a core VM regression. This kind of trouble is never ideal late in the release cycle.
However, developers quickly solved this issue. Fortunately, the team found a "fairly trivial fix". The problem was only a "latent gotcha" and not a major, horrifying bug. Therefore, Linus Torvalds believes the kernel remains on track.
Since the big problem got fixed, RC7 contains a much smaller set of changes than RC6. This smaller size shows the kernel is returning to a good, stable state.
What's New in Linux Kernel 6.18 RC7?
This release candidate includes many general maintenance fixes. The changes look "mostly normal", covering the usual suspects across the kernel.
Key Fixes Across the System
You will find the standard driver updates. Developers focused primarily on GPU and networking drivers.
Furthermore, RC7 includes some architecture fixes. These fixes mainly target LoongArch, MIPS, and Arm64 systems.
We also see important tweaks to core networking, tooling, and documentation.
A Notable Patch
One specific update stands out a little: a Selinux patch. The patch itself mostly involved renaming a variable. This renaming was triggered because a bugfix needed to resolve confusion over naming conventions.
Ready for the Final Linux 6.18 Kernel
Overall, the 6.18 cycle looks stable and ready. This release provides a final check to ensure all stragglers are caught.
We anticipate the final Linux 6.18 release will arrive the following weekend, barring any major, unexpected problems.
If you enjoy testing kernel previews, now is the best time to check for any final, random issues. You can download the latest Linux Kernel 6.18 RC7 from the Kernel.org website or the Linus Torvalds's git tree.
