URGENT UPDATE: KDE has confirmed that its popular desktop environment, KDE Plasma, will officially phase out support for X11, starting with the upcoming version 6.8. This decision marks a significant shift in the Linux landscape as users must now prepare for a future without X11.
According to a recent announcement on the KDE blog, the transition is set to take place after the release of Plasma 6.8, which is projected for early 2027. Currently, users are operating on version 6.5, meaning there are several updates scheduled before X11 support officially ends. However, KDE assures users that the majority of Plasma users already favor Wayland, so the impact may be minimal for most.
For those who rely on X11, it’s crucial to note that KDE has provided an ample timeframe for adaptation. The X11 session will remain supported until early 2027, giving users over a year to make necessary adjustments. The specific release date for Plasma 6.8 remains unconfirmed, as KDE explores potential bug-fix releases for version 6.7.
KDE offers several alternatives for users who need to maintain X11 functionality. First, long-term support (LTS) distributions like AlmaLinux 9 will continue to support X11 until 2032. Additionally, the Xwayland compatibility layer can be utilized to run many X11 applications seamlessly on Wayland. While some may have concerns about Xwayland’s performance, KDE encourages users to explore this option, especially with over a year for improvements to be made.
As KDE moves forward with this transition, the community is urged to stay informed and prepared. This pivotal change reflects a broader trend within Linux environments, favoring the more modern Wayland protocol.
What to Watch Next: Keep an eye on upcoming updates from KDE regarding the exact release schedule for Plasma 6.8 and any enhancements to Xwayland that could facilitate a smoother transition for X11 users. As the deadline approaches, discussions around the benefits and challenges of this shift are expected to intensify within the Linux community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as KDE continues to shape the future of Linux desktop environments.