Linux 6.2, the latest version of Linux Kernel, was released yesterday. The update will be the first of its kind to support Apple M1 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips. 

Intel has played a significant role in the development of the Linux Kernel and their Xeon processors are widely used in server farms to run websites and handle financial transactions. Linux servers running on Intel architecture are the primary choices for these data servers, as well as supercomputers. Here, the recent addition of ARM support has high potential to shift the market in favour of Apple, posing a threat to Intel’s dominant position.

Linus Torvalds described the latest release as, “Maybe it’s not a sexy LTS release like 6.1 ended up being, but all those regular pedestrian kernels want some test love too”. 

Linux version 6.2 has been updated with new hardware support, including built-in compatibility for Intel Arc graphics and initial support for Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series ‘Ampere’ accelerated graphics using the Nouveau open-source code.

The updated kernel comes with various improvements, such as Call Depth Tracking, to boost performance on older Intel Skylake-era PCs, file-system driver enhancements, and security improvements. Along with new hardware support, the NTFS3 file kernel driver has been updated with new mount options.

Making it available for M1 was a major challenge for Torvalds. He had previously said, “The main problem with the M1 for me is the GPU and other devices around it because that’s likely what would hold me off using it because it wouldn’t have any Linux support unless Apple opens up.”

On July 31, 2022, Torvalds made an announcement that Linux on ARM is now a reality, thanks to the Asahi team. Now, a few months later, this development is available for Linux users. Linux 6.2 is set to become the default kernel for Ubuntu 23.04 and it will also be included in Fedora 38 before the release of Linux 6.3 in late April. 

However, Linux 6.1 will continue to receive maintenance until at least the end of 2026. Any fixes that come with the 6.2 release are expected to be included in the 6.1 version through back-porting.