FreeBSD 15.0 introduces pkg-managed base system, reproducible builds, and updated software

FreeBSD 15.0 is now available, bringing substantial updates for users on servers, desktops, and embedded hardware. The most prominent change in this release is support for managing and installing the system base using the pkg package manager. This switch streamlines updates and allows system maintenance workflows that align with other FreeBSD packages.

Additionally, release images, including virtual machine artifacts, can now be built without requiring root privileges. Reproducible builds are also passing, improving reliability and verifiability for developers and distribution maintainers.

While infrastructure changes enhance workflow, FreeBSD 15.0 adds a native inotify API. This feature eases directory watching for system processes and makes porting Linux-focused software simpler for developers. Storage administrators can take advantage of the updated OpenZFS 2.4.0-rc4, offering additional file system features.

Security receives major improvements as FreeBSD now includes OpenSSL 3.5.4, which supports the QUIC protocol and quantum-resistant cryptography algorithms such as ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. OpenSSH 10.0p2 introduces quantum-resistant key agreement by default, elevating secure communications for administrators and end users alike.

Finally, FreeBSD 15.0 expands hardware reach with builds for amd64, aarch64, armv7, powerpc64, powerpc64le, and riscv64 platforms.