Linux Lite 8.0 Hematite released with Calamares, GTK4 apps, and custom kernels

Linux Lite 8.0 Final is now available as a major update based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, shipping with the Linux 7.0 kernel and the lightweight Xfce desktop. Codenamed Hematite, the release represents the largest development cycle in the project’s history.

A key change is the move from Ubuntu’s Ubiquity installer to Calamares, which now handles language, time zone, keyboard layout, disk setup, and account creation. The installer also adds OEM support for hardware vendors and expands file system options with Btrfs and XFS alongside the standard EXT4 layout.

Linux Lite 8.0 also brings full GTK4 theming, a new default theme, and GTK4 ports of all Lite branded apps. New tools include Lite About for system information, Lite System Monitor for real time resource tracking, Lite Distro Builder for custom remixes, and Lite Core for minimal installations. The release also adds DEB822 sources format support, custom desktop and gaming kernels, and Lite Kernel Manager for kernel management and benchmarking.