Description

elementary OS 8.1 “Circe”, released in December 2025, continues the distribution’s focus on a clean, intuitive desktop experience for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users. The release is built exclusively for 64‑bit hardware, offering a polished environment that integrates tightly with the Pantheon desktop.

The update introduces Pantheon 6.0 with a refreshed panel layout, a redesigned AppCenter that streamlines app discovery, and enhanced System Settings that provide finer control over privacy and display options. Under the hood, elementary OS 8.1 ships with the Linux 6.6 kernel, improving hardware compatibility and performance, while adding native Flatpak support and a new dark mode that adapts system accents. The installer has been rewritten to offer automatic partitioning and a clearer progress UI, and notifications have been refined for less intrusion. Users upgrading from elementary OS 8.0 or elementary OS 7.1 will notice smoother transitions and broader driver coverage.

elementary OS 8.1 Circe will receive security and maintenance updates until December 2027; it is not an LTS release.

For a complete list of changes, see the official release notes on the elementary website.