The everlasting Linux Kernel has gotten yet another update, and this one includes some quality of life changes, a few upgrades to the file system of the OS, and additional support for Rust code in the kernel. In addition to this, the update also kept up with housekeeping by adding drivers for the latest hardware, such as Wi-Fi drivers for various Realtek modems. 

The update was announced earlier today via the Linux Kernel Mailing List. The creator of Linux and one of the primary maintainers of the kernel, Linus Torvalds, dropped a hint about the next update, Linux 6.5, being a big one, stating,

“Most of the stuff in my mailbox the last week has been about upcoming things for 6.5, and I already have 15 pull requests pending. I appreciate all you proactive people. But that’s for tomorrow.”

For 6.4, Linux gets some much needed optimisations for its NTFS3 file system driver. This driver aims to give a small performance boost for the ext4 file system, as well as other small bug fixes for BTRFS and F2FS file systems. The update also cleaned up some memory copy code for x86 processors while adding some more support for RISC-V processors. 

Along with some driver updates for a few controllers, graphics tablets, and WiFi modems, the kernel is also fleshing out its support for native support on Apple Silicon. Non-Apple PCs are getting most of the love, with better support for MSI laptops and ASUS desktop motherboards. The kernel now also includes new power features for the Steam Deck, which run on a custom AMD APU.

Perhaps the biggest standout feature of the new update is the amount of upstreamed Rust code. This will help more Rust developers move towards actually being able to use Rust in the kernel and maybe even Rust-written drivers, Even though this was quite a comprehensive update, the next upcoming one, 6.5, plans to integrate some long-awaited features. Some of the expected features in the upcoming 6.5 update include upgrades to the Rust toolchain, improved support for hyperthreading, better support for AMD, NVIDIA, and even Intel GPUs.