UPDATE: KDE has just announced that it will officially drop support for X11 in its popular desktop environment, KDE Plasma, with the upcoming release of version 6.8. This significant shift is set to impact users who rely on X11 for their Linux systems, sparking urgent discussions across the community.
KDE’s announcement reveals that while X11 will be phased out, users have time to adapt. Currently, KDE Plasma is on version 6.5, meaning users still have over a year before X11 support ends. The final support for X11 applications will officially conclude in early 2027, allowing users to prepare for the transition to Wayland, which is already favored by many.
The decision to phase out X11 is rooted in the observation that most Plasma users have already migrated to Wayland, leading to smoother performance and enhanced functionality. According to KDE’s blog, “most users of Plasma typically use Wayland anyway,” indicating that the transition may not be as disruptive as some fear.
For those who still rely heavily on X11, KDE has provided several alternatives. Users can opt for long-term support distributions like AlmaLinux 9, which will continue X11 support until 2032. Additionally, the Xwayland compatibility layer will offer support for most X11 applications, with KDE asserting that it “does a great job” of maintaining functionality.
KDE encourages users to explore these options and has assured the community that there will be ample time to make necessary adjustments. The developers are also considering a few extra bug-fix releases for Plasma 6.7, which may influence the exact timeline of the last support for X11.
The end of X11 support marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Linux desktop environments, with many users now looking to Wayland for future-proofing their systems. As KDE prepares for this transition, the focus remains on ensuring users are well-informed and equipped to handle the changes ahead.
This announcement is generating buzz in the Linux community, prompting discussions on forums and social media about the implications of this shift. With KDE taking proactive steps, users are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences, ensuring a collaborative approach to this significant change.
As the timeline progresses, KDE’s commitment to user support will be crucial in easing this transition. Stay tuned for further updates as more details surrounding the release of KDE Plasma 6.8 emerge.
