KDE to Drop X11 Support in Plasma 6.8, Users Urged to Prepare

URGENT UPDATE: KDE has officially announced it will discontinue support for X11 in its popular desktop environment, KDE Plasma, with the release of Plasma 6.8. Users are advised to prepare for this significant shift, which is set to occur no earlier than early 2027.

This major development means that users currently reliant on X11 will need to adapt, as KDE has confirmed that the transition away from X11 will be gradual but definitive. The announcement comes as part of a blog post from KDE, outlining the timeline and implications of this change.

Currently, KDE Plasma is at version 6.5, and the upcoming 6.8 version will mark the end of X11 support. Although the exact date of this transition remains unconfirmed, KDE assures users that the X11 session will continue to be supported until early 2027, giving users a window of over a year to make necessary adjustments.

For those who depend on X11 applications, KDE offers alternatives to ease the transition. Users can explore Long-Term Support (LTS) distributions like AlmaLinux 9, which will maintain X11 support until 2032. Additionally, there is the option of the Xwayland compatibility layer, which aims to support most X11 applications effectively.

The shift towards Wayland is driven by performance improvements noted by many users, including enhanced stability and speed. However, KDE acknowledges that some users may still prefer X11 for specific applications. As such, developers aim to ensure a smooth transition for all users, providing ample time for adaptation.

This news is particularly urgent for Linux enthusiasts and developers, as it marks a pivotal change in the desktop environment landscape. With the growing adoption of Wayland, users are encouraged to assess their current setups and consider future-proofing their systems.

As KDE gears up for this change, the community is left to ponder the implications of moving away from a long-established technology. Many users have already reported better experiences with Wayland, but the transition period will be crucial for those who still rely on X11.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and prepare for the upcoming changes in KDE Plasma’s support for X11. Share this news with fellow Linux users to ensure everyone is informed and ready for the future of desktop environments.