Manjaro 26.0 launches with Linux kernel 6.18, GNOME 49, KDE Plasma 6.5 & updated software

Manjaro 26.0, code-named “Anh-Linh”, arrives nine months after the previous main release and delivers several key upgrades for users of this Arch-based Linux distribution. The new release is built on the Linux kernel 6.18, while also supporting the kernels 6.12 LTS and 6.6 LTS for those who need extended support.

A major shift in this version is the adoption of GNOME 49 and KDE Plasma 6.5 as default desktop environments, both now configured to use Wayland sessions. While this enhances graphics performance and security, users depending on classic X11 workflows or older hardware should consult the project’s known issues beforehand. For environments still requiring X11, the Manjaro XFCE edition is suggested as the preferred option and includes Xfce 4.20, which features new file highlighting in Thunar and updated panel preferences, among other improvements.

GNOME 49 introduces a refreshed user interface, performance enhancements, support for high dynamic range wallpapers, and improved remote desktop functionality. Meanwhile, KDE Plasma 6.5 offers rounded bottom window corners, expanded Flatpak permissions, and a built-in Remote Desktop Protocol server, alongside updates from KDE Frameworks 6.21 and KDE Gear 25.12.

In addition to its desktop updates, Manjaro 26.0 ships with NVIDIA 590 and Mesa 25.3 graphics drivers, the first stable release of COSMIC Desktop, and updates to applications like Mozilla Firefox 146, LibreOffice 25.8.4, GStreamer 1.26.10, WirePlumber 0.5.13, and ALSA 1.2.15.1.