Canonical launches Ubuntu Core 26 (canonical.com)

Canonical has announced the launch of Ubuntu Core 26, a major update to its minimal, immutable operating system designed for mission-critical operations and AI workloads. Key features include precise Linux builds, significantly smaller over-the-air (OTA) updates—effectively reducing update sizes by up to 90%—and enhanced security through hardware-backed protections. With support for long-term security maintenance of up to 15 years, Ubuntu Core 26 is poised to help users meet compliance with the EU Cyber Resilience Act, making it appealing for secure, verifiable AI deployments across various industries. The introduction of a new Chisel-based build system marks a significant advancement in Ubuntu's approach, allowing for more precise software composition and improved integrity checks, which counter the traditionally implicit dependency models. Enhancements such as faster installation times, seamless kernel patching capabilities, and a commitment to security through integral features like TPM-sealed Full Disk Encryption and ARM TrustZone support solidify Ubuntu Core 26's position as a critical platform for deploying and managing AI at the edge. With these improvements, Canonical continues to offer a robust foundation that addresses the rigorous demands of modern AI applications in secure and regulated environments.