Linus Torvalds has released the first release candidate of the Linux kernel 6.18 for public testing. This version introduces new drivers and features for hardware support. The announcement marks the start of the testing phase for the upcoming kernel series.
On October 12, 2025, Linus Torvalds announced the general availability of Linux 6.18-rc1, the first release candidate of the Linux kernel 6.18 series. This release is intended for public testing to identify and fix any remaining issues before the final version.
The new kernel candidate includes several notable additions. It features new Tyr and Rocket drivers, which provide support for specific hardware components. Additionally, there is support for haptic touchpads, enhancing user interaction on compatible devices. Another key inclusion is DM-PCACHE, a device mapper feature that improves caching capabilities.
As the initial release candidate, Linux 6.18-rc1 builds on previous development cycles, incorporating fixes and enhancements from the Linux kernel community. Torvalds' announcement emphasizes the importance of widespread testing to ensure stability. No specific timeline for the final 6.18 release was provided in the sources, but release candidates typically precede the stable version by several weeks.
This development continues the ongoing evolution of the Linux kernel, which powers a wide range of systems from servers to desktops.