OpenWrt 25.12 adopts apk package manager, revamps upgrade process, preserves shell history

OpenWrt 25.12 arrives as the latest release of this open source Linux-based firmware for embedded devices. Titled Dave's Guitar, the update pays tribute to Dave Täht, a pivotal figure who worked to reduce network bufferbloat and improve latency for OpenWrt users and the wider internet community.

This version ushers in a major workflow change by replacing the longstanding opkg package manager with the actively maintained Alpine Package Keeper (apk). Users can expect minimal disruption, as most features and package names are carried over. Building on these changes, the attended sysupgrade (ASU) LuCI application is now installed by default. This tool simplifies firmware updates, enabling devices to upgrade to new OpenWrt versions, automatically rebuild firmware images with installed packages, and preserve configuration files, alongside improved package integration using the SquashFS filesystem.

Most hardware supported in OpenWrt 24.10 remains compatible, maintaining upgrade stability for existing users. Following these improvements, shell command history is now persistently stored in a RAM-backed filesystem, preventing data loss across logins while avoiding unnecessary flash writes. The integration of the OpenWrt video feed, which brings Qt5 and user interface applications by default, further enhances the experience. Additionally, Wi-Fi management scripts have transitioned from shell scripting to ucode for better maintainability. Over 180 new devices are supported in this release, and owut is included by default on devices with larger flash storage.