- 1
- March
Linus Torvalds has officially released Linux Kernel 7.0 RC1, marking the first major version jump from 6.x to 7.0 in several years. This merge window included a massive 11,588 non-merge commits, and the GA (General Availability) release is expected around mid-April 2026 (April 12-19). This article summarizes all the key features and analyzes their impact on enterprise servers.
Why the Jump from 6.x to 7.0?
Linus Torvalds confirmed that the major version change does not signify a "revolutionary" change as some might assume. Rather, the minor version numbers were getting too large (6.18, 6.19, ...), so he decided to reset to 7.0 instead. This is the same approach taken when jumping from 5.x to 6.0 in 2022.
The development process remains exactly the same: a 2-week merge window followed by 7-8 weeks of RC (Release Candidate) builds before the GA release.
Key Features in Linux 7.0
1. Rust in the Kernel Is Now Stable (No Longer Experimental)
This is one of the most significant changes. The Rust programming language, which was integrated into the kernel starting with Kernel 6.1 as "experimental," has now been officially promoted to stable status.
What this means for organizations:
- New drivers will increasingly be written in Rust, which provides superior Memory Safety compared to C
- Reduces Buffer Overflow and Use-after-free vulnerabilities that are primary causes of kernel-level security issues
- In the long term, the kernel will become more stable and secure, especially for servers that must run continuously 24/7
2. New CPU Support: Intel Nova Lake / Diamond Rapids and AMD Zen 6
Kernel 7.0 adds support for upcoming CPU generations:
- Intel Nova Lake (for Data Centers) and Diamond Rapids (for Servers)
- AMD Zen 6, expected to launch in late 2026
Organizations planning new server purchases should ensure their OS supports this kernel version to take full advantage of the new CPU capabilities.
3. XFS Self-Healing
XFS, one of the most popular server filesystems, has gained a new Self-Healing feature. This allows the filesystem to automatically detect and repair corrupted data without requiring system downtime.
For organizations running PostgreSQL databases on XFS, this is great news as it adds another layer of protection against data loss from filesystem corruption.
4. Btrfs Direct I/O Improvements
Btrfs has received significant Direct I/O improvements, resulting in better performance for large data read/write operations on Btrfs. This is ideal for workloads involving large files such as databases, backups, or data warehouses.
5. ML-DSA Post-Quantum Signatures
Linux 7.0 adds support for ML-DSA (Module-Lattice Digital Signature Algorithm), a digital signature standard that is resistant to quantum computer attacks.
Why Does Post-Quantum Matter?
While quantum computers are not yet practical today, the "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" concept means that data encrypted today could potentially be decrypted in the future when quantum computers become available. Preparing for Post-Quantum Cryptography at the kernel level is something organizations should start prioritizing, especially those handling sensitive data such as financial records or personal information.
6. LZMA for EROFS
EROFS (Enhanced Read-Only File System) now supports LZMA compression, which offers significantly better compression ratios than LZ4. This is ideal for embedded systems, container images, or read-only root filesystems.
7. SPI Multi-Lane Support
Multi-lane SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) support has been added, increasing communication speed with hardware devices, particularly flash memory and various sensors. This benefits IoT devices and embedded systems in manufacturing environments.
8. BPF Token for SELinux
The BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) system has gained token-based authorization for SELinux, enabling more granular access control for BPF programs. This enhances security for servers using SELinux policies.
LTS (Long Term Support) You Need to Know
Beyond the new features in 7.0, understanding the LTS Timeline of various kernel versions is crucial for organizations:
| Kernel Version | LTS Status | End of Support |
|---|---|---|
| 6.6 LTS | Long Term Support | End of 2027 |
| 6.12 LTS | Long Term Support | 2028 |
| 6.18 LTS | Long Term Support (Extended) | December 2027 |
| 7.0 | Stable (GA expected mid-April 2026) | TBA |
For organizations requiring maximum stability, we recommend using Kernel LTS versions that come with your chosen distribution and applying security patches regularly. Your Disaster Recovery plan should also include a kernel update strategy.
Which Distros Will Include It and When?
Kernel 7.0 is expected to be included in major distributions as follows:
- Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, launching in April 2026, is expected to ship with Kernel 7.0 or 6.18 LTS
- Fedora 44, which typically adopts the latest kernel immediately
- RHEL 10 and Debian 13 (Trixie) may use Kernel 6.12 LTS or newer
What Does This Mean for Grand Linux Solution and Saeree ERP?
The name "Grand Linux" makes it clear that we are a company built on Linux from day one. Saeree ERP was designed and developed on Linux architecture from the ground up:
- All servers run on Linux, both Application Server and Database Server
- Uses PostgreSQL as the primary database, an enterprise-grade open source database on Linux
- Zero OS licensing costs, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership for the ERP system
- Directly benefits from every kernel update in terms of performance, security, and hardware support
When Kernel 7.0 GA becomes available, the Grand Linux Solution team will thoroughly test compatibility with Saeree ERP before recommending upgrades to our clients.
Linux is not just an operating system — it is the foundation of the digital infrastructure that organizations worldwide rely on. Keeping up with kernel development means preparing your organization for the future.
- Grand Linux Solution Team
Summary
Linux Kernel 7.0 is a significant milestone that brings:
- Rust is now Stable — elevating kernel security for the long term
- New CPU support from Intel and AMD, preparing for upcoming hardware
- XFS Self-Healing — reducing data corruption risk on servers
- Post-Quantum Signatures — preparing for future security threats
- Btrfs Direct I/O — improved performance for database workloads
For Thai organizations using Linux as their foundation, the action items right now are: track the LTS roadmap of your distribution, plan systematic kernel updates, and test compatibility with critical applications before upgrading in production.
