The new version elementary OS 8.1 It is now available And it arrives as a far more ambitious update than its version number might suggest. The project, known for its focus on careful design and ease of use, has concentrated this time on refining the daily experience, strengthening security, and expanding compatibility with modern hardware, both on traditional computers and ARM devices.
With a renewed technical base and more than 1.100 problems fixed Since the release of elementary OS 8, this edition presents itself as a continuation of the previous iteration, but a very complete one. The system continues to target those seeking a stable, simple, and consistent desktop environment, whether they are taking their first steps in Linux from Windows or macOS, or repurposing computers that still have some life left in them.
A Linux system designed to be simple from the first boot.
elementary OS maintains its focus on a clean and minimalist user experienceIt's powered by the Pantheon desktop environment, developed specifically for the distribution. The interface draws inspiration from some aspects of macOS, with smooth animations, predictable behavior, and a very low learning curve, making the transition much easier for novice users.
The system is based on Ubuntu LTS 24.04.3 As a foundation, it guarantees regular security updates and long-term support. On top of this are added the project's own tools, such as AppCenter, the integrated software store, and a range of applications designed to visually blend with the rest of the environment. All of this is optimized to run on modest hardware, making it a good choice for give a second life to old computers.
elementary OS 8.1: Wayland and "Secure Session" become the default option
The most important technical change in elementary OS 8.1 is that the Wayland session is now activated by default, under the name Secure Session. Until version 8.0 it was available as an alternative option, but the team believes it has matured enough to be the standard experience for most users.
This change comes with several improvements. Thanks to Wayland, the system incorporates fractional scaling For high-density (HiDPI) displays, this helps adjust the interface size on monitors where full scaling made everything look too big or too small. In addition, numerous bugs in multi-monitor support and on devices with touch and multi-touch gesture capabilities have been fixed.
In terms of security, the authentication dialog boxes have been redesigned so that when a window appears asking for a password in the Secure SessionThe rest of the screen dims, preventing any other application from stealing the focus. This reduces the risk of entering credentials in the wrong window, reinforcing the protection of sensitive data.
Despite the clear commitment to Wayland, elementary OS 8.1 maintains the Classic Session based on X11 Alternatively, any user who notices incompatibilities or strange behavior can log out and select the classic session on the login screen, thus preserving the traditional behavior.
Updated technical base: Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, Linux 6.14 and Mesa 25
Under the hood, the layout is updated to the latest Ubuntu Hardware Enablement Stackwhich translates into the use of Linux kernel 6.14 and the Mesa 25.x graphics stack. This combination delivers better overall performance, especially in gaming and file transfers, and reduces power consumption on certain Intel and AMD chips and GPUs.
The new base also expands support for latest generation hardwareImprovements are mentioned in compatibility with webcams, controllers and joysticks, USB network devices, Wi-Fi cards, microphones, and other common peripherals found on current desktop and laptop computers. For European users who typically purchase laptops from brands like Slimbook, Star Labs, or other manufacturers that distribute systems with Linux pre-installed, these improvements can make a significant difference in their daily user experience.
In addition, other key system components have been updated, including the graphics stack and various user libraries, resulting in a combination of greater stability and better performance, maintaining the conservative approach associated with an LTS version.
elementary OS 8.1 arrives on ARM64 with UEFI support
One of the major new features of this version is the arrival of ARM64 images Official. elementary OS 8.1 can now be installed on devices with 64-bit ARM processors using UEFI firmware, an important step in opening the system to new platforms.
This includes, among other things, computers with Apple Silicon (M series) and devices such as circuit boards Raspberry Pi that allow loading firmware with UEFI support. The project offers a separate ISO for ARM64, ready to run on this type of equipment, and the kernel includes support for certain Qualcomm and Rockchip SoCs, which are common in ARM laptops and mini PCs.
Visual improvements and new Dock behavior
At the desktop level, Pantheon receives new animations and visual enhancements These features aim to make the experience a little more pleasant without becoming excessive. Among them is a "shake" effect when interacting with certain windows from the Dock, designed to provide clearer visual feedback.
Own Dock It gains prominence as a control center for windows and workspaces. It now displays separate indicators for applications with multiple open windows, bringing back a feature many users missed from Plank's classic dock in previous versions. A [missing information - likely a separate section or feature] has also been added. integrated workspace selector at the end of the Dock, from which it is possible to switch desktops, create new ones and rearrange them by dragging and dropping.
Another new feature is the integration with the so-called Background PortalThis feature allows apps running in the background to appear in the Dock with their own icons. From there, you can see what's running without having a window visible, bring the app to the foreground, or force it to close if necessary.
In terms of aesthetics, the system incorporates background blur in the Dock and notifications, as well as a similar effect in the window switcher (Alt+Tab). The set of folder and pointer icons is also refreshed, aiming to maintain elementary's visual identity but with somewhat softer and more proportionate shapes.
The distribution also adds compatibility with dark mode on the lock screenThis helps maintain visual consistency when the user has the system set to dark mode. And those who use hot corners for window management or multitasking can now configure them to continue working even when an application is in full-screen mode.
Accessibility and inclusive design are more present than ever.
The elementary team has long been promoting an approach to Inclusive DesignAnd in version 8.1, this is significantly improved. The installer and initial setup wizard now include clearer labels for screen readers, so a blind person can install and configure the system from start to finish without visual assistance.
The function Reduce Motion It now includes more animations on the desktop and in applications, which helps users sensitive to excessive movement or who simply prefer a more restrained experience. Keyboard focus indicators are displayed more clearly when navigating with keys and are hidden when the user switches back to the mouse or touchscreens, thus maintaining a clean yet accessible interface.
Work has also been done to improve the contrast of text and semi-transparent elementsespecially in Terminal and in components with transparency effects. Furthermore, support for screen readers has been expanded, and minor localization improvements have been introduced that can be seen in European languages, including Spanish.
Another related new feature is the possibility of Temporarily postpone the dark mode scheduleIf the user forces a theme change during a time slot in which there is an active schedule (for example, from light day to dark night), the system respects that manual setting and resumes the schedule when the next change is due, avoiding unexpected behavior.
Monitor and Maps: two new applications integrated into elementary OS 8.1
elementary OS 8.1 adds two new programs to its default catalog: Monitor y MapsThe first is a system monitoring tool that shows, in real time, the use of CPU, memory, processes and other resources, with live graphs and options to manage tasks that consume too many resources.
The monitor even includes the possibility of display statistics in the top panelThis allows users to quickly check system usage without opening an additional window. This can be especially useful on laptops or computers with limited resources, where monitoring CPU and memory usage makes a significant difference in battery life and performance.
For its part, Maps It's a desktop mapping application based on OpenStreetMap data. It allows you to search for locations, explore areas, view basic routes, and open links. geo://It integrates with other apps like Calendar to associate locations with events. According to the project description, it's a fork of the "Atlas Maps" app, adapted and visually integrated into the elementary ecosystem.
Updated proprietary applications: Music, Files, Terminal, Code…
Beyond the new additions, many of the native applications of elementary OS They receive significant improvements. The Music player adds more advanced queue management, with the ability to save and restore playlists, search for tracks, and maintain the queue even between sessions, resuming from the last played song when the app is reopened.
Application Files incorporates support for the protocol admin://This feature allows you to open paths with administrator privileges in a controlled manner, which is very useful for occasional maintenance tasks without constantly resorting to the command line. It also allows for more precise editing of the date and time of files and folders from the properties dialog box, and facilitates adjusting the date and time format from its main menu.
In the field of development, the editor Code It expands its capabilities with improved options for working with Git: it's now easier to clone repositories from the sidebar's project menu, switch between remote branches, and receive alerts when there are uncommitted changes before switching branches.
Application Bus Terminal It features a new, more modern and customizable tab bar, with the option to hide it when only one tab is open. It also introduces additional protections against accidental pasting and improved detection of multi-line commands, details that benefit both advanced users and those new to the command line.
The default browser, GNOME Web (Epiphany) 48.3It comes with performance and stability improvements, resulting in somewhat smoother browsing, especially on mid-to-low-range devices that are common in many European homes.
AppCenter: clearer percentage ratings, add-ons, and updates
AppCenter, the app store for elementary OS, has also received a major overhaul. From now on, it displays percentage ratings Sourced from ODRS, the same rating service used by GNOME Software, this makes it easy to get a quick idea of an application's quality before installing it.
When developers provide captures for multiple platforms, AppCenter prioritizes elementary OS specific imagesensuring the user can see how the app integrates into their own desktop. In the case of games, it indicates whether they support a controller, a detail that PC gamepad users will appreciate.
Another visible improvement is the change to the action button in free apps: it now displays the text “Install” instead of “Free”This better reflects the action the user will take. Additionally, apps with in-app purchases include a small label next to the button, making it more transparent what type of economic model they use (for example, free-to-play games or stores like Steam or Heroic Games Launcher).
In the updates section, installed applications are now sorted by version publication date Instead of alphabetically, it gives more prominence to recent updates. AppCenter also adds support for app add-ons and redesigns the changelog display, making it clearer what each update brings.
Aside from the store, the system improves icon handling for applications not installed via Flatpak (for example, those that the user adds manually) and screenshot notifications They open the image viewer directly when you click, making the workflow faster when taking many pictures.
More transparent and connection-friendly system updates in elementary OS 8.1
The system update process has been refined to offer More information before installing patchesThe approximate download size is now displayed before the update starts, as well as a progress bar during the download, so the user can assess whether it is worth updating at that moment, which is relevant when sharing a mobile connection or on slow networks.
The mechanism that checks for updates has been rewritten and now runs once a dayIt does not work in Demo Mode and avoids negatively impacting login time. For users with metered or data-limited connections, the system no longer automatically downloads updates when it detects a network marked as "pay-as-you-go"; instead, it sends a notification for the user to decide.
The network settings panel includes two new settings: one for reduce background data usage when connected to a measured network, and another to control whether the system should automatically connect to a known network when available. Additionally, a new switch is added. “Avoid suspension” in Quick Settings, useful when you want to prevent the computer from going to sleep, for example during long downloads or presentations.
Notifications, Bluetooth, and other desktop improvements
System notifications have been revised with a more modern design, incorporating rounded corners and background blurThis aligns with the rest of the desktop's visual changes. It not only improves the aesthetics but also helps notifications stand out without being overly intrusive.
The module Bluetooth The Settings menu has been redesigned to clearly distinguish nearby devices that are not yet paired from those that are already paired or have been paired previously. Keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility have also been improved, making it easier for all users to manage wireless headphones, speakers, or controllers.
Notification settings now allow deny access to bubbles For specific applications, you can access System Settings, providing finer control over which programs can display floating notifications on the desktop. This type of option can be useful for those who use their computer for work and want to limit distractions.
Over 1.100 fixes and a distribution that continues to refine details
According to the development team itself, since the release of elementary OS 8, the following issues have been resolved: more than 1.100 incidentsMany of these fixes were made possible thanks to community reports. They range from minor visual glitches to compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations and third-party applications.
Among the less visible but relevant changes are new AppArmor profiles to improve support for Flatpak applications, adjustments to the management of custom keyboard shortcuts for installed apps, and specific improvements to accessible labeling of Calendar and other system components.
The sum of these fixes reinforces the idea that elementary OS 8.1 is not just a minor update, but an important step in consolidating the work begun with version 8.0: a distribution focused on the usability, consistent design, and security, with a modern and long-term oriented technical base.
Download model, availability of elementary OS 8.1 and pre-installed systems
elementary OS 8.1 is distributed from the official website using a model “pay what you want”Users can enter the amount they wish to contribute to the project or, if they prefer, set the value to zero and download the ISO image for free. Direct links and a magnet link for torrents are also provided, facilitating downloads even on less stable connections.
The distribution receives monthly updates With minor new features and bug fixes, the system can be refined without constantly jumping to major versions. However, the project currently doesn't offer an automated method for updating between major system versions, so switching from one main branch to another may require a clean installation.
In Europe, it is possible to find equipment from manufacturers such as Slimbook, Star Labs or other specialized vendors that offer laptops and desktops with elementary OS pre-installed. For many users who prefer to avoid the installation process or ensure that all the hardware works correctly from day one, this option can be particularly appealing.
With all these changes, elementary OS 8.1 establishes itself as a mature option for those looking for a polished Linux desktop, with Wayland by default, new ARM64 capabilities, a more powerful Dock, and its own app ecosystem It's becoming increasingly polished. It doesn't introduce a radical change, but it does reinforce the character of this distribution as a stable, accessible, and visually coherent system, adjusting many small details that are noticeable in daily use.
