KDE releases Plasma 6.5 with several features including visual and usability enhancements

KDE Plasma 6.5 has been launched with visual and usability improvements across the desktop. Breeze windows now have rounded corners on all sides, with an option to restore the squared look. The update also brings automatic light and dark theme switching based on the time of day, customizable global themes, and optional wallpaper transitions.

Clipboard management now supports pinned and starred items for quick access to frequently used text. Accessibility improves with a grayscale filter for color-sensitive users, better keyboard navigation, and screen reader enhancements, including Orca announcing Caps Lock changes and describing shortcuts more clearly. Networking gets a redesigned Wi-Fi interface with password-enabled QR sharing and an updated RDP server that integrates the clipboard and uses system accounts. Graphics tablet users can now adjust rotary dials and touch rings directly from System Settings, with automatic detection when a tablet is connected.

KDE Discover launches faster, supports Flathub flatpak URLs, and lists available hardware drivers. Under the hood, Plasma 6.5 features improved HDR tone mapping, overlay plane support for reduced CPU usage, and a faster startup. Wayland adds experimental picture-in-picture support, while smaller touches like reorderable virtual desktops, transparent sticky notes, and new wallpaper shortcuts enhance everyday use. Around five maintenance updates are expected before Plasma 6.6 arrives in February 2026.