Linux Mint 27 and Cinnamon 2.8 Desktop Updates
New features include system hibernation, Wayland support, and improved resource management tools.
1Upcoming Mint 27 Release
Linux Mint 27 is scheduled for release next month, following the recent launch of the Cinnamon 2.8 desktop environment. This version is built upon the Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon LTS foundation. The project has adopted the codename Adrien, marking the first male-themed designation since the original Mint 1.0 release back in 2006.
2Restoring System Hibernation
A significant addition in Mint 27 is the restoration of system hibernation, a feature disabled by default in Ubuntu since the 12.04 release. Clément Lefebvre is leading the effort to stabilize this complex functionality. While historically prone to errors, the team aims to provide a reliable implementation within the new Cinnamon desktop environment.
3New Native Applications
The update introduces several specialized tools to enhance user productivity. These include the Superlight system resource monitor, the Unfold archive manager for compressed files, and the themeable Velocitty terminal emulator. Additionally, the Nemo file manager will now feature a dedicated preview pane, providing users with faster access to file content without opening them.
4Wayland and Security Upgrades
Cinnamon 2.8 moves Wayland support from experimental to standard, though the X11 session remains available for compatibility. Security is bolstered by the integration of the Rust-based oo7 secret store for credential management. These changes, alongside improved screensaver handling, reflect a broader industry shift toward modern display protocols and more robust authentication storage mechanisms.
5Desktop Usability Improvements
The update brings comprehensive refinements to the desktop experience, including better handling of sound devices, touchpads, and HiDPI displays. Network management is simplified with improved VPN and Wi-Fi encryption support. Furthermore, background optimizations have been implemented to ensure faster desktop startup times, while the Settings app now offers more efficient search functionality for users.
6LXQt 2.5 Development Progress
Simultaneously, the LXQt 2.5 desktop environment has been released, marking a transition to Qt 6.10. This version removes the final dependency on legacy LXDE components. While it shares some architecture with KDE Plasma, the team is currently addressing compatibility issues with the Monitor Settings applet following the removal of X11 support in libkscreen.
7Evolution of Desktop Environments
Both Cinnamon and LXQt are navigating the transition to Wayland while maintaining support for X.org. The LXQt project, led by Jen-Lee Hong, continues to evolve independently from its LXDE roots. These updates highlight the ongoing effort within the Linux community to modernize desktop interfaces while ensuring stability for diverse hardware configurations and user needs.
8Future Distribution Expectations
With LXQt 2.5 now available, users can expect it to be integrated into upcoming distributions like Lubuntu 27.04 in approximately five months. Meanwhile, the Linux Mint community website has migrated to GitHub, removing previous dependencies on PHP. These infrastructure changes support the project's shift toward an annual release schedule announced early in 2026.
Original article: The Register — Linux Mint 27 and Cinnamon 2.8 Desktop Updates