Ubuntu Core 26 Release Image © CanonicalUbuntu Core 26 Release (Image © Canonical)

A major focus of Ubuntu Core 26 is the reduction of bandwidth requirements for over-the-air (OTA) updates. By optimizing the calculation and delivery of delta updates, Canonical has reduced the size of update data packets. This ensures that devices running on networks with limited resources can stay up to date without excessive data consumption.

The system continues to use a strictly isolated, snap-based architecture, which ensures that the core operating system and all applications are separated from each other. This prevents unauthorized changes and simplifies the rollback process in the event of a failed update.

Adaptation to the EU Cyber Resilience Act

Ubuntu Core 26 was developed to support manufacturers in complying with the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The operating system provides the necessary infrastructure for secure-by-default configurations, including:

  • Strict Isolation: Applications run in isolated environments to minimize the attack surface.
  • Automatic updates: An optimized pipeline for deploying critical security patches across large fleets.
  • Verified Boot: Integration with hardware-based trust to ensure only signed, authenticated code is executed.

Renesas RZ V2LRenesas RZ V2L (Image © Canonical)

Improved build architecture and deployment

The new version introduces an updated build system that allows developers to create customized, immutable images more efficiently. This system shortens the time from development stage to production, enabling faster iteration cycles for industrial applications.

In addition, the deployment process has been optimized to support a wider range of hardware architectures. This allows Ubuntu Core 26 to scale from small edge gateways to more powerful industrial controllers.

Long-term support and maintenance

To meet the requirements of industrial lifecycles, Ubuntu Core 26 is backed by an extended support model. This enables companies to maintain their device fleets with security updates for up to 15 years, reducing the need for frequent hardware refreshes and ensuring operational stability for long-term deployments.

Tools for the IoT ecosystem

For developers, Ubuntu Core 26 offers updated toolchains for creating “system snaps” - packages that manage the kernel, boot loader and core system services. These improvements, combined with enhanced remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, allow operators to centrally manage thousands of devices from a single dashboard, reducing the need for manual maintenance.