Canonical has officially penciled in the timeline for Ubuntu 26.10, codenamed Stonking Stingray, and it's time to mark your calendars. As with any development cycle, these dates are tentative, but they provide a solid roadmap for what's ahead. From feature freezes to the final public release, here are the ten key milestones you need to know—complete with anchor links to jump to each section.
1. Development Start – The Cycle Begins
The Ubuntu 26.10 development cycle kicked off shortly after the release of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. As of early 2026, developers began integrating new upstream packages, toolchains, and desktop updates into the daily builds. This initial phase is fluid, but it sets the foundation for all the features and fixes that will eventually make it into the final release. Expect frequent changes as the team works to stabilize the core system.
2. Feature Freeze – 10 August 2026
Arguably the most critical date after the final launch, the feature freeze is scheduled for 10 August 2026. At this point, no new features are accepted into the development branch. The focus shifts entirely to bug fixing, polishing, and ensuring that all components work harmoniously. This milestone is essential for delivering a stable, production-ready operating system. Missing this date can delay the entire release, so Canonical enforces it strictly.
3. Kernel Feature Freeze – Mid-August 2026
Shortly after the main feature freeze, the Linux kernel used in Stonking Stingray will also lock down. Canonical usually sets the kernel freeze about a week later (around 17 August 2026). Only critical patches and security fixes are accepted after this point. This ensures the kernel has enough time to be tested thoroughly across all supported architectures. The kernel freeze is a key step for maintaining hardware compatibility and system stability.
4. Alpha Releases – Late August 2026
The first alpha milestone for Ubuntu 26.10 is expected in late August 2026. While no specific date is confirmed yet, alphas typically appear two to three weeks after the feature freeze. These builds are intended for developers and early adopters—they contain the latest features but may be buggy. Alpha releases help identify major regressions before the beta phase. Canonical often releases separate alpha ISO images for desktop, server, and flavours.
5. Second Alpha – Mid-September 2026
A second alpha release around 10 September 2026 is likely, based on previous cycles. This build incorporates more bug fixes and begins to stabilize the user interface. By this stage, the desktop environment (GNOME 48 or 49, likely) should be mostly functional, though some visual glitches may remain. Testing feedback during this period is invaluable for polishing the final product.
6. User Interface Freeze – Late September 2026
Around 28 September 2026, the UI freeze takes effect. This means no changes to the default desktop layout, icons, panels, or core application themes. Developers focus on visual consistency and accessibility. This freeze prevents last-minute redesigns that could confuse users and testers. It's a pivotal moment for the user experience.
7. Beta Release – 3 October 2026
The official beta release is scheduled for 3 October 2026. This is the first public build that is considered relatively stable. The beta is widely promoted for testing by the community—it's a good time for users to try the new Stingray on non-production systems. The beta includes final package versions, with only critical updates accepted thereafter.
8. Release Candidate – 10 October 2026
Just five days before the final release, on 10 October 2026, Canonical will publish the release candidate (RC). The RC is essentially the gold master candidate—if no showstopper bugs are found, the same code becomes the final release. This is the last chance for testers to report major issues. The RC ISO is identical to what users will download on launch day.
9. Final Release – 15 October 2026
Mark this date: 15 October 2026 is when Ubuntu 26.10 Stonking Stingray becomes officially available to the public. Users can download the ISO from the official website or upgrade directly from Ubuntu 26.04 LTS or 26.10 beta. This interim release will be supported for nine months, until July 2027. It brings all the new features, updated applications, and hardware enablement included in the cycle.
10. End of Life – July 2027
After release, the support clock starts ticking. Ubuntu 26.10, as a non-LTS release, will reach its end of life in July 2027. Canonical will stop providing security updates and bug fixes. Users are strongly encouraged to upgrade to the next release, Ubuntu 27.04, or switch to an LTS version like 26.04 for longer support. Planning ahead for this transition ensures a secure and smooth computing experience.
Conclusion
The Ubuntu 26.10 Stonking Stingray schedule offers a clear path from development to retirement. By keeping an eye on these ten milestones—especially the feature freeze on 10 August and the final release on 15 October—you can prepare your systems and workflows accordingly. Whether you're a developer eager to test new features or a user planning an upgrade, this timeline helps you stay ahead. As always, remember that dates are tentative, so follow the official Ubuntu development mailing list for any changes.