The long-awaited, elegant, and beautiful Linux distribution elementary OS 8 is finally released. You can grab your copy now and give it a try.
Elementary OS 8, code-named Circe, is based on the latest Ubuntu 24.04 LTS version with kernel 6.8.
Elementary OS 8 offers a 'Secure Session' powered by Wayland, which you can choose through a gear menu next to the password field on the lock screen. This results in better performance and enhanced security for the whole OS, and brings newer modern features to elementary OS such as improved support for multitouch gestures on touch screens and tablets, as well as the Mixed DPI modes support (beneficial to users relying on multiple displays with different pixel densities).
Using Wayland also means that applications will be more restricted and will require your permission to access system features, including actions like listening to keystrokes in the background, or taking a screenshot.
Meanwhile, the old, legacy X11 session is still there, under the 'Classic Session' name, and it is set to be the default session to ensure apps work the same as before on the previous elementary releases.
The elementary dock has been rewritten from scratch in this release to be available on both the Secure and Classic sessions, and it gained some multitasking improvements based on a user survey.
When single-clicked on,the dock now switches the focus to the opened app window, even if it is not on the current workspace, and if an app has multiple windows open, a single click will show a window spread allowing you to quickly select the right window, even if you are outside the Multitasking View. Workspace cards now have rounded corners, and the switcher at the bottom of the screen has been updated for light and dark modes as well.
The Settings app has been ported to GTK 4. It has been refreshed with an all-new modern, and responsive dual-pane design. It comes with improved support for text scaling, screen readers, keyboard navigation, right-to-left language layouts, and improved contrast in illustrations. A new Application section has been added to the settings apps, which as its name suggests, enables users to manage app startup and flatpak app permissions, as well as choosing the default applications.
Speaking of apps, the Flathub repository is now included out of the box (finally), allowing you to find and install your favorite flatpak through elementary AppCenter without any additional steps.
The apps detail page has seen some nice adjustments such as replacing the “non-curated” badge with a more precise “Made for elementary” badge to inform users which apps follow and respect the system theme and icons, adding a link to make sponsoring apps developers, as well as a link to the app's code source if it is available.
A change has been made to the way you install updates on elementary OS, as AppCenter now handles only flatpak updates, while the regular system updates are moved to the Settings app, and they can be done via the System → Operating System section.
AppCenter updates can be installed while your computer is running and does not require a restart, while installing system updates via the settings app will always require a restart.
Elementary OS 8 ships also with the following features and improvements:
- You can now launch apps pinned to the sock using Supper + 1 to 9.
- A Quick Settings panel has been added to the top panel.
- Power modes can be quickly changed from the power menu in the panel.
- Adding a new option to automatically select the temperature unit based on user-configured locale, under Language & Region settings.
- Pipewire is now used as a default sound server.
- Redesigned Pointers with softer edges and rounder corners.
- Pressing the Supper button (⌘) opens now the applications' menu instead of the Shortcuts overlay.
- The screen reader is now supported during Onboarding.
- Adding a setting to always show scrollbars.
- Screen reader support in the Alt + Tab window switcher.
- A Font Viewer app is now included by default.
- Multitasking View now features a blurred version of your wallpaper that is adjusted for light and dark modes.
- Power settings now show the charging level and status for both internal batteries and Bluetooth-connected battery devices like mice and keyboards.
Elementary OS 8 is available to download as a pay-what-you-can purchase at elementary.io, with localized direct downloads and a torrent magnet link provided.