BREAKING: KDE has just announced that its popular desktop environment, KDE Plasma, will officially discontinue support for X11 with the anticipated release of version 6.8. This major shift, confirmed on the KDE blog, signals a significant transition for users of X11 applications, although many may not feel the impact immediately.
The transition to Wayland is gaining momentum, with KDE noting that most Plasma users already favor Wayland over X11. Currently, KDE Plasma is on version 6.5, and the phasing out of X11 will not happen until early 2027. This gives users ample time to prepare and adapt to the upcoming changes.
KDE developers emphasized that while X11 support will end with Plasma 6.8, users still have viable alternatives. For those who depend on X11, long-term support (LTS) distributions such as AlmaLinux 9 will continue to support X11 until 2032. Additionally, the Xwayland compatibility layer is available, which provides support for X11 applications in a Wayland environment. KDE states that Xwayland is effectively compatible with most X11 applications, offering a practical solution for users transitioning to Wayland.
This pivotal update is crucial for the Linux community as it underscores a broader trend towards modernizing desktop environments. The shift away from X11 aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance performance and user experience, making Wayland the preferred choice for many.
KDE has provided a timeline, indicating that the exact date for the end of X11 support remains uncertain, pending potential bug-fix releases for Plasma 6.7. However, users can expect the final version to roll out in early 2027, allowing more than a year for adjustments.
As the Linux landscape evolves, this announcement invites discussions among developers and users alike. For those still reliant on X11, KDE’s foresight in providing alternatives ensures a smoother transition, making this development not just a technical shift but also a community-oriented response to user needs.
Stay tuned for more updates as KDE continues to refine its offerings and support for the Linux desktop environment. Make sure to share this news to keep fellow Linux enthusiasts informed!
