Ubuntu Makes ARM64 a First-Class Platform
Canonical is making significant strides in advancing Ubuntu’s support for ARM64 architecture. With the release of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, ARM64 has closed the gap with AMD64 in several key areas. This includes the migration of ARM64 packages into the regular Ubuntu package archive, the introduction of live kernel patching without the need for a restart, and enhancements in the support for Snapdragon laptops, gaming, and software availability.
A Decade of ARM Support
Ubuntu has been supporting ARM processors for over a decade now. Initially, Canonical focused primarily on server applications, but ARM architecture is now prominently featured in cloud data centers, developer machines, single-board computers, and increasingly, in laptops. The company’s goal is to treat Ubuntu on ARM64 as a mainstream platform rather than an exception.
ARM64 Packages Move to Regular Ubuntu Archive
A fundamental change in the package infrastructure means that starting with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, ARM64 packages are no longer delivered via the previous archive at ports.ubuntu.com, but through archive.ubuntu.com. This shift allows ARM64 to utilize the same infrastructure as AMD64.
This transition ensures that packages can be automatically distributed via the global Ubuntu mirror servers, speeding up downloads and enhancing availability. To implement these changes, Canonical made necessary adjustments to various components of the Ubuntu build and release process. Furthermore, these changes will be backported to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Livepatch Closes Another Gap
As of late June, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS also supports Livepatch on ARM64. This feature allows security updates for the Linux kernel to be applied without needing to restart the system—something that was previously only available for AMD64 systems.
Canonical noted that various extensions to the Linux kernel, toolchain enhancements, and new ARM64-specific testing methods were required for this implementation. With this introduction, the Livepatch service on ARM64 achieves parity with its x86 counterpart.
Advances in ARM Notebook Support
Canonical is also expanding its support for ARM laptops. Ubuntu 25.04 introduced compatibility with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform through a generic ARM64 desktop image. Secure Boot functionality is operational for the first time with Ubuntu 25.10 and becomes a standard feature in the LTS version.
An interesting challenge lies in the fact that many Snapdragon laptops do not currently provide Device Trees through the firmware—critical for initializing hardware on ARM systems. Canonical addresses this challenge with a new EFI stub named “stubble,” which integrates the necessary Device Trees directly into the signed kernel image, thereby maintaining the existing Secure Boot trust chain.
More Software Options without Hurdles
The software offerings for ARM64 are also on the rise. An ARM64 build of the Steam Snap was released in stable form earlier this June. Since the Linux client for Steam is still only available for x86, Canonical combines it with the userspace emulator FEX, allowing AMD64 games to be run on compatible ARM systems. However, Canonical is quick to point out that this is not a project supported by Valve.
Canonical also highlights the arrival of native ARM64 versions for popular Snap packages such as OnlyOffice, FreeCAD, and Teams for Linux. One pivotal addition comes from Google: the anticipated ARM64 version of Google Chrome, which aims to bring Widevine support to Linux. The availability of Widevine for ARM64 will enable other Snap packages, like Firefox and Spotify, to integrate Widevine natively.
Conclusion
With these advancements, Canonical is successfully transforming Ubuntu ARM64 into a first-class platform. The synchronization of package management, enhanced kernel capabilities, and expanded hardware support signals a bright future for ARM architecture in the Ubuntu ecosystem. As companies and developers increasingly recognize the potential of ARM-based systems, Ubuntu’s commitment to this architecture could lead to broader adoption and innovation, shaping the future of computing.
