Linux Lite 8.0 RC1 Released! Based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Linux Lite, the lightweight, beginner friendly, and Ubuntu based Linux Distribution, announced the RC1 release for the next 8.0 major version yesterday morning.

This new release, code-name Hematite, features Linux Kernel 7.0, XFCE 4.20 desktop, and Ubuntu 26.04 package base. While, the final release is scheduled to be released on 1st June, 2026.

Linux Lite 8.0 Desktop

Thanks to the 7.0 Kernel, Linux Lite 8.0 will run properly on most recent processors, GPUs, and other hardware. It features a high performance custom kernel built specifically for desktop and gaming use on everyday hardware.

The default kernel is built for smooth and responsive desktop experience for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, office work, and media playback. While, an optional gaming kernel can be installed afterward, which targets for users who play games regularly or run audio/video production software care about timing.

Both kernels include the full BORE scheduler modification, but with different preemption to allow the scheduler to interrupt running work.

And, a new Linux Kernel Manager utility is available for users to install and switch between the two kernels, manage profiles, and run benchmark!

Besides the new kernels, Linux Lite 8.0 switched to Calamares installer that’s also default in Debian (live image), KUbuntu etc Linux distributions. As Ubuntu has switched to new Flutter based installer, and slowed down the development of the legacy Ubiquity installer.

It as well added OEM installer for hardware vendors, which will not create end-user account during installation. Instead, when the customer powers the machine for the first time, it pops-up a setup wizard to create a personal account.

This version also ported all the core GUI applications to GTK4 from GTK3/WebKit2. It as well added back Firefox (Deb version) as default web browser, while the previous releases use Google Chrome as default.

It also introduced new “About” utility that displays hardware details, e.g, CPU, GPU, Memory and storage, new System Monitor app for real-time CPU, memory, storage, and network monitoring.

New About Lite, and system monitor apps

After installed Linux Lite, user can minimum the system by launching the new Lite Core app and remove all the unwanted applications with few clicks. As well, a new Lite Distro Builder app is available to easily create your own version of Linux Lite and share it with others.

Other changes include new Starship command prompt in terminal app for significant start up difference, new boot animation screen (Plymouth theme), and apt sources ported to DEB822 (change from .list to .sources config file).

And, it seems that the start menu (Lite Whisker Menu) has been ported to rounder corners, though, not sure if it’s bug or virtual machine issue it has a white and sharp background.