Hello everyone.
We are pleased to announce that, after much anticipation, Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 Beta 1 is now available for testing! Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 is slated for release on 24 September 2025. Before then, we need to make sure it's ready to go.
Wait? 24.04-1.0?
If you follow Ubuntu Touch news mainly on our blog and does not follow our forums closely, you might be surprised that this versioning scheme does not match the scheme previously announced on our blog. This is a result of a long discussion amongst community members resulting in a decision to change our versioning scheme. This versioning scheme combines the version of Ubuntu we're based on (in this case, 24.04) with the version of changes specific to Ubuntu Touch (in this case, 1.0).
The rest of the previous announcement are still applicable; the only thing changed is how we versions each release of Ubuntu Touch.
What's new?
Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 will be the first release of Ubuntu Touch which is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, a major upgrade from Ubuntu 20.04. This might not be as big compared to our last upgrade from Ubuntu 16.04 to 20.04, but this still brings newer software stack to Ubuntu Touch (such as Qt 5.15).
Given the long time it took to produce this release, many new features are added to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 and we're unable to list them all. However, following are some of the most notable changes:
New Ubuntu Touch logos to go with the new Ubuntu Circle-of-Friends (CoF)
As we're now based on Ubuntu 24.04, it's only appropriate that we also update our Ubuntu Touch logos in various of places to also have the the new Ubuntu CoF. In particular, the new Ubuntu Touch logo has been made and voted on by our community members. This is a refreshing change, given that the last time we update Ubuntu Touch logo is almost 8 years agos.
Light mode for the shell
In Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-4, we've added a built-in way to switch theme of applications. In Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0, this functionality is extended to the shell component as well. So if you prefer the light mode for your environment, now you have a choice. To access it, go to System Settings > Background & Appearance.
In addition, we've partially implemented theme live-switching as well. However this is still experimental and might not work properly in some applications (notably, this causes breakage in Teleports). Closing and re-opening application will fix the issue. We're working to fix this issue in the future.
Known issues
As with any pre-released software, there are some significant issues that are known to developers. We include some of the them here so you don't need to spend time reporting these bugs again.
- Sending and receiving MMS is currently not working. (ubuntu-touch#2208)
- Some pinned applications in the launcher might get disappeared due to internal rename (lomiri-system-settings-system-update#15)
- You might not be able to pair new Bluetooth headset. Already paired Bluetooth headset will continue to work. (ubuntu-touch#2238)
- Ubuntu Touch logo in System Settings is currently missing. (ubuntu-touch#2233)
Also available for testing: Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10
In addition to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 Beta 1, we're pleased to also announce that Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10, a maintenance release of 20.04 series, is also available for testing.
The most notable change in Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10 is the inclusion of the new upgrader, allowing users to upgrade to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 with ease once it comes out.
In addition, there are a number of general bug fixes and security updates. Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10 is slated for release on 14 August 2025.
How can I test?
To receive Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 Beta 1, we recommend upgrading your phone to Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10 RC then upgrade to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 via the new upgrader.
To receive Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10 RC, please do the following on the device:
- Update all of your apps using "System Settings -> Updates" or "My Apps" in the OpenStore app.
- Head to System Settings -> Updates -> Update Settings -> Release Channel.
- Select "20.04 Release candidate".
- Go back to the Updates screen to install the downloaded update.
After your phone reboots, you'll be on the 20.04 OTA-10 release candidate! Of course, only step 4 is required if you are already on the 20.04's release candidate channel and this update will come through as usual.
Once your phone is on Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10 RC, run the following command in Terminal app or via ADB/SSH to receive Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 Beta 1:
gsettings set io.ubuntu-touch.system-settings.update offer-development-release true
After that, head to System Settings -> Updates again, and you should be offered to upgrade to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 Beta 1.
You can find your image version in System Settings -> About -> OS.
We have a 20.04 OTA-10 Call for Testing and a 24.04-1.0 Beta1 Call for Testing forum post where we can discuss any questions you may have about anything that comes up during your testing.