Description

Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (Bionic Beaver) is a point‑release of the long‑term‑support Ubuntu 18.04 series. Although the exact release date is not publicly disclosed, this update targets desktop users who require a stable, secure platform on 64‑bit x86 hardware and ARM64 devices.

The 18.04.6 update brings the Hardware Enablement (HWE) stack with the Linux 5.4 kernel, delivering better support for newer CPUs, GPUs and peripheral devices. It also refreshes the GNOME desktop to version 3.28, introduces updated OpenSSL and Python packages, and includes a full set of security patches that were back‑ported from later Ubuntu releases. Users benefit from improved power‑management, faster boot times, and enhanced compatibility with modern Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth adapters. Additionally, the installer now offers a streamlined “Minimal installation” option that reduces default package bloat.

Standard support for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS ended in April 2023; extended security maintenance (ESM) continues until April 2028.

For the complete list of changes, see the official Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS release notes. Related releases you may also be interested in: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) and Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Server.