Canonical has officially announced the codename for its next Ubuntu release, 25.10, as “Questing Quokka.” This highly anticipated Linux distribution is scheduled for official release on October 9, 2025, and will bring users a series of exciting updates and underlying technological innovations. Most notably, it will feature a further embrace of the Rust programming language and a modernization of core system components.
Development Schedule and Milestones #
The development cycle for Ubuntu 25.10 has been planned, with key milestones including:
- April 24, 2025: Toolchain Upload
- June 26, 2025: Ubuntu Testing Week (Optional)
- August 14, 2025: Feature Freeze, Debian Import Freeze
- August 21, 2025: Ubuntu Testing Week (Optional)
- September 4, 2025: User Interface Freeze
- September 11, 2025: String Freeze, Kernel Feature Freeze
- September 18, 2025: Beta Release (Mandatory)
- September 25, 2025: Kernel Freeze, Non-Language Pack Translation Deadline
- October 2, 2025: Final Freeze, Release Candidate, Language Pack Translation Deadline
- October 9, 2025: Final Release
As an interim release, Ubuntu 25.10 will offer nine months of support, until July 2026.
Core Updates: Embracing Rust, Reshaping the Foundation #
One of the most significant changes in Ubuntu 25.10 is the deeper adoption of the Rust programming language, aimed at enhancing system security and performance.
sudo-rs as the Default Option
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Ubuntu 25.10 plans to make sudo-rs the default implementation of sudo. sudo-rs is a sudo tool rewritten in Rust by the Trifecta Tech Foundation, focusing on providing a memory-safe privilege elevation solution. This move marks a significant step for Ubuntu in adopting more secure system components. Canonical states that it will thoroughly test sudo-rs in the 25.10 release before fully adopting it in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. Although sudo-rs is designed to be a direct replacement for the traditional sudo, and the transition should be transparent for most users, the original sudo package will still be available for those who need it.
Gradual Migration to uutils coreutils
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Another major initiative is the plan to replace GNU coreutils with the Rust-based uutils coreutils. This is a longer-term project aimed at replacing traditional C-based core tools with Rust implementations. Canonical is actively sponsoring the uutils project to ensure that key feature gaps are filled before the release of Ubuntu 25.10, primarily including developing SELinux support for common commands like mv, ls, and cp, as well as improving internationalization (i18n) support. Given that coreutils are fundamental system components, Canonical is developing a meticulous packaging plan (introducing packages like coreutils-from-uutils and coreutils-from-gnu) to ensure a smooth transition and allow users to easily revert to GNU coreutils if necessary.
Exploring SequoiaPGP as a Replacement for GnuPG #
Furthermore, the Ubuntu team is also investigating the feasibility of using SequoiaPGP to replace GnuPG for APT package management. SequoiaPGP is a new OpenPGP library written in Rust, with a focus on security and correctness, aiming to provide a more modern and strictly OpenPGP standards-compliant alternative.
Other Expected Features #
Although the detailed feature list will continue to evolve as the development cycle progresses, based on past release patterns and current development priorities, we can expect Ubuntu 25.10 to include:
- Latest GNOME Desktop Environment: Expected to feature GNOME 49 (or the latest version available at the time of release), bringing the newest user interface improvements and feature enhancements.
- Updated Kernel: Will integrate a newer Linux kernel version to provide better hardware support and performance optimizations.
- Toolchain Updates: Core development toolchains, including GCC and glibc, will be upgraded.
- Improved Installer and User Experience: Continued optimization of the installation process and first-boot experience.
- Enhanced App Center: Improvements to the functionality and user experience of the software store.
Summary #
Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” is shaping up to be a significant release, particularly in its strategic adoption of the Rust programming language and the modernization of core system components. By introducing sudo-rs and gradually migrating to uutils coreutils, Canonical is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the security and robustness of Ubuntu. As the October 2025 release date approaches, we look forward to seeing more about what exciting new features this “questing short-tailed wallaby” will bring to the Linux desktop and server landscape.