A fresh iteration of elementary OS 8 (“Circe”) has arrived. Here’s an overview of the most notable new features in this release.
After almost two years of development since the last version, elementary OS 8.0, codenamed “Circe,” is now available. Built upon Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, released in April 2024, this release incorporates the latest Ubuntu base and key enhancements like default Flatpak support and improved security.
elementary OS 8: What’s New?
Core Enhancements
At its foundation, elementary OS 8 is built upon Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble” and the Linux Kernel 6.8. Linux Kernel 6.8 with the Ubuntu 24.04 base delivers several key updates:
CPU, GPU, and SoC Improvements: New Xe and enhanced i915 drivers improve Intel GPU support, while AMD, NVIDIA, and ARM-based systems receive stability and compatibility enhancements. Drivers for Raspberry Pi 5, Qualcomm chips, and gaming devices expand hardware support.
File System Updates: Features like online fsck for XFS, performance improvements for Ext4, and zoned storage support for F2FS enhance file system resilience, flexibility, and efficiency. New system calls and enhanced SMB capabilities improve user-space interaction.
Memory & Core Optimizations: Enhanced Zswap memory management, multi-size Transparent Huge Pages (mTHP), and new tools like KSM Advisor optimize memory and CPU usage. Rust and BPF updates enhance kernel security and modularity.
Networking Enhancements: Overhauled data structures improve TCP speeds by 40%, while bpfilter’s removal simplifies networking. Enhanced support for RISC-V and advanced profiling tools refine system performance and compatibility.
Streamlined Updates
In elementary OS 8, updates have been intelligently reorganized. Previously, application and system updates were combined in AppCenter. They are now separated into two distinct sections, streamlining the update process:
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Application Updates: Still managed within AppCenter, these updates install quickly while the computer is running and never require a restart.
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System Updates: Now located in System Settings, these updates are installed offline during a restart, ensuring critical services are properly refreshed without errors.
This separation prevents confusion, ensuring clarity on which updates require a reboot. The new system update mechanism is not only faster but also smarter. During Onboarding, users can opt into automatic downloads for updates and will be notified if a package contains critical security updates. The improved error handling system addresses unsuccessful updates. New options in the shutdown dialog let users install updates before powering down or skip pending updates if needed, even when automatic updates are enabled.
Installer and ISO Details
The ISO size for this release is approximately 3.2 GB. The installer remains largely unchanged but includes key additions. elementary OS 8 places a greater emphasis on accessibility. During installation and the onboarding process after the first boot, screen reader support with audio is available for visually impaired users, making elementary OS more accessible.
Furthermore, the disk encryption option is now integrated into the installer for enhanced desktop security.
Enhanced Dock
During the design of the Secure Session, the elementary OS team recognized the necessity of a complete Dock overhaul to rethink multitasking. Through user surveys, GitHub feedback, and usage analysis, the redesigned dock blends familiarity with innovation, offering an intuitive and efficient multitasking experience.
The default appearance of the dock has been modified with the addition of a light background, which can be customized in the settings.
Predictable App Behavior
The Dock now features a more predictable interaction model for managing applications, particularly those with multiple windows:
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Launching Applications: A single click launches an application if it is not already open.
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Focusing Windows: For applications with a single open window, a single click brings it into focus, regardless of the workspace.
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Window Spread: For applications with multiple open windows, a single click displays a window spread, allowing users to select the desired window without entering the Multitasking View.
This approach eliminates confusion, preventing accidental new windows or minimized applications disappearing.
Secure Session and Wayland
elementary OS 8 introduces a smarter lock screen. In addition to the password field, a gear menu now offers two options: Classic or Secure Session. Selecting Secure Session activates Wayland, a modern display protocol designed with security as a primary focus. Wayland ensures applications can only access explicitly granted permissions.
With Secure Session, applications must request permission before actions like monitoring keystrokes, taking screenshots, or picking colors from the screen. This enhances user privacy and protects against untrustworthy behavior.
Secure Session also introduces features like Mixed DPI support, addressing the frustrations of using HiDPI laptops with LoDPI external displays. It provides improved multi-touch gesture support for touch screens and tablets, creating a smoother, more responsive experience, even on low-powered hardware.
AppCenter and Flathub Integration
The elementary OS 8 application store now supports Flathub out-of-the-box, eliminating the need for manual sideloading or configuring alternate stores.
Users can now access both applications tailored for elementary OS and general Linux software, including cross-platform favorites like Discord and Spotify, directly from AppCenter.
The integration of Flathub does not compromise security. The Secure Session and integrated Portals confine applications to secure sandboxes, requiring explicit user consent for access. AppCenter now features sandbox warnings and expanded permissions settings, ensuring adherence to security principles.
Enhanced Window Management
For applications supporting multiple windows, elementary OS 8 introduces additional flexibility:
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Middle-Click for New Windows: Following the FreeDesktop.org standard, middle-clicking an application icon reliably opens a new window.
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Scroll to Cycle Windows: Scrolling over an application icon cycles through its open windows, allowing for quick navigation between documents or browser tabs.
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Pinned App Hotkeys: Pinned applications can now be launched using custom hotkeys, improving workflow efficiency for keyboard-centric users.
Multitasking Swipes and Gestures
elementary OS 8 offers optional multitasking enhancements:
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Horizontal Swipe Gesture: A simple horizontal swipe switches between open windows, streamlining navigation.
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Fullscreen App Focus: Hot corners are automatically disabled on workspaces with fullscreen applications, ensuring an uninterrupted experience.
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Workspace Scrolling: Scrolling over the panel allows users to switch between workspaces effortlessly.
Settings and Quick Settings
System Settings in elementary OS 8 features a subtle redesign. The new dual-pane layout optimizes space, adapting to various screen sizes while maintaining a clutter-free navigation experience.
Beyond aesthetics, accessibility enhancements are prioritized with improved text scaling, better support for screen readers, seamless keyboard navigation, and optimized layouts for right-to-left languages. Illustrations have also received a contrast boost for improved clarity. The search function delivers more relevant results, displaying both the setting name and path.
Adding Features, Not Removing Them
Unlike redesigns that strip away functionality, elementary OS 8 introduces thoughtful new features:
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Always-Visible Scrollbars: Users can enable always-visible scrollbars in Desktop > Appearance.
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Locale-Based Temperature Units: The Language & Region settings now automatically select the appropriate temperature unit based on location.
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Enhanced Keyboard Shortcuts: New shortcuts simplify switching between keyboard layouts or using emojis and Unicode characters.
Streamlined and Searchable
Settings menus have been enhanced with searchable dropdown options. Setting descriptions have been revised for clarity, and help text is readily accessible without hover interactions.
External links in System Settings have been redesigned with a cleaner interface for accessing help and documentation.
Introducing the Quick Settings Menu
elementary OS 8 introduces a Quick Settings menu designed for optimal functionality and simplicity. By combining accessibility and session menus, the panel retains essential controls.
The menu includes features like Dark Mode and Rotation Lock. Accessibility tools such as the Screen Reader and Onscreen Keyboard are included by default and can be hidden via System Settings > Desktop > Dock & Panel.
Power Settings and Panel
Power Settings in elementary OS 8 provides detailed charging information for internal batteries and connected battery-powered devices. OS 8 can automatically switch power profiles based on whether the device is plugged in or running on battery. The revamped power menu in the panel allows users to quickly toggle between performance and power-saving modes.
The battery icon in the panel now provides precise battery level readings.
Visual Designs
elementary OS 8 features redesigned pointers with enhanced consistency, precision, and color usage. The new pointers have softer edges and rounder corners while maintaining high contrast and legibility for accessibility.
Multitasking View
The Multitasking View has been updated with:
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Blurred Wallpaper Background: Instead of a plain dark gray, Multitasking View now uses a blurred version of the wallpaper, adapting to light or dark modes.
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Rounded Workspace Cards: Workspace cards feature rounded corners.
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Updated Workspace Switcher: The switcher aligns with the system’s light and dark modes.
Login/Lock Screen
The login/lock screen features the blurred wallpaper version, enhancing its visual appeal. The time and date are also slightly larger.
App Updates
Several core applications in OS 8 have received design updates:
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Videos: The player page has been redesigned, adhering to system’s light and dark mode preferences.
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Fonts: The new Fonts application offers improved performance.
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Web 46: With a minimal appearance and performance enhancements, Web 46 offers faster, cleaner browsing.
Downloading elementary OS 8
The latest version can be downloaded from the official website, with an option to donate to the team or download the ISO for free.
https://elementary.io/
Upgrading to elementary OS 8
Currently, there is no direct upgrade path from elementary OS 7.x “Horus” to elementary OS 8. A fresh installation after backing up existing data is recommended for the best experience.
This release introduces significant enhancements and user-requested UI features that improve usability and visual appeal, making it a worthwhile upgrade.