Affinity has announced that a Linux version is in development, but there's no ETA just yet

In what longtime users have been calling a watershed moment, Affinity has officially confirmed that a Linux version of its popular design suite is currently in active development. The announcement came via the company's official X account, where Affinity cryptically stated: “Take a deep breath, because we're about to spill the tea ☕️ Affinity is coming to Linux, it's in active development, but we've got no ETA to spill just yet.” While no release window was provided, the confirmation alone has sent waves of excitement through the Linux creative community, where demand for professional-grade design software has long outpaced available options.

The move represents a significant expansion of Affinity's platform reach following its March 2024 acquisition by Canva, the design giant that transformed the subscription-based suite into a free all-in-one platform for Mac and Windows a year later. This strategic shift, which eliminated licensing costs entirely, positioned Affinity as a compelling Adobe alternative for designers seeking professional tools without recurring fees. More recently, just a few days ago, Canva unveiled a dedicated free iPad app for Affinity, challenging Adobe and Procreate's mobile dominance. The Linux version now completes Affinity's cross-platform strategy, addressing what has consistently been among the most-requested features since the acquisition.

Industry observers note that Affinity's Linux launch timing aligns with growing enterprise adoption of open-source operating systems and increased demand for professional creative tools outside the traditional Windows/macOS ecosystem. While competitors continue to focus primarily on proprietary platforms, Affinity's commitment to Linux could carve out meaningful market share among developers, indie creators, and organizations already invested in open-source infrastructure. Until further details emerge, Linux users will continue waiting for what promises to be a transformative addition to the platform's creative software landscape.