Linus Torvalds has released the third release candidate for Linux kernel 6.18, describing the development cycle as fairly normal. This build includes targeted fixes for SMBdirect and XFS filesystem, signaling progress toward a potential long-term support version. The release maintains a steady pace with minimal changes ahead of the stable version later this year.
Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, announced the third release candidate (rc3) for kernel version 6.18 on October 27, 2025, via the kernel mailing list. Available for download from kernel.org, this build reflects a calmer development pace compared to typical stages, with Torvalds noting fewer disruptions due to fluctuations in pull request timings rather than underlying issues.
The diffstat for rc3 is short and flat, indicating minimal but focused changes. Key fixes address SMBdirect for both client and server sides, potentially improving network file sharing in enterprise environments with mixed Windows-Linux setups. Updates to the XFS filesystem resolve lingering bugs, enhancing reliability for high-volume data operations in data centers. About half the patches target drivers, including devicetree bindings, while the rest cover subsystems like random noise fixes and minor tweaks to the Btrfs filesystem for better data integrity and snapshots.
This release builds on features from rc1, such as new drivers for hardware like Tyr and Rocket, haptic touchpad support, and DM-PCACHE enhancements for optimized caching. Industry observers anticipate Linux 6.18 becoming the long-term support (LTS) version for 2025, offering extended maintenance and security patches. The kernel's bi-monthly cadence suggests an on-time stable release later this year, aligning with the open-source community's collaborative testing by thousands of developers worldwide.
For developers and system administrators, these refinements emphasize stability over major innovations, easing integration into existing infrastructures from cloud servers to embedded devices. While rc3 shows encouraging progress, ongoing testing will be crucial to address any regressions before the final version.