Linux Kernel 6.12 Released: A Long-Term Support Version with Enhanced Features
The Linux Kernel 6.12 has officially been released as a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, ensuring updates and support through 2026. This release introduces a variety of new features and improvements across multiple areas, including real-time computing, hardware support, networking, and file systems.
Linus Torvalds, the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel, remarked, “No strange surprises this last week, so we’re sticking to the regular release schedule, and that obviously means that the merge window opens tomorrow.” He also noted, “I already have two dozen+ pull requests in my mailbox; kudos to all the early birds.”
Key Enhancements in Linux Kernel 6.12
Real-Time Computing with PREEMPT_RT
A standout feature of Linux 6.12 is the inclusion of PREEMPT_RT, a real-time patchset that has been under development for ten years. This addition significantly enhances task response times and optimizes overall system performance. PREEMPT_RT compatibility now extends to ARM64, RISC-V, and X86/X86_64 architectures, making the kernel more suitable for enterprise-level real-time computing applications.
Hardware Support Improvements
Kernel 6.12 brings substantial hardware enhancements:
- AMD: Better support for AMD’s Instinct accelerators, OverDrive overclocking for SMU 14.x hardware, and RDNA 4 GPU support.
- Intel: Support for Intel uncore and power events for Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake processors, improved handling of hybrid P/E-core configurations in some Lunar Lake processors, and initial enablement work for Panther Lake and Diamond Rapids Xeon processors.
- NVIDIA: Integration of NVIDIA’s virtual command queue implementation for SMMUv3.
Networking Enhancements
Several improvements have been made in networking:
- Device Memory TCP (DMTCP): Allows zero-copy reception of TCP payloads to a DMABUF region.
- IPv6 IOAM6: Adds support for the new tunsrc encap mode.
- PTP Timestamps: Facilitates reading PTP PHC alongside MONOTONIC_RAW timestamps with PTP_SYS_OFFSET_EXTENDED.
Driver Updates
Linux 6.12 includes new and updated drivers for various hardware components, such as:
- Microchip PIC64GX, NXP i.MX8ULP, and Rockchip RK3576 controllers.
- Realtek automotive PCIe devices (RTL9054, RTL9068, RTL9072, RTL9075, RTL9068, RTL9071).
- Microchip LAN8650/1 10BASE-T1S MAC-PHY.
- Rockchip RK3568 CAN-FD controller.
- Sophgo SG2042 external hardware monitor.
Additional Features in Linux Kernel 6.12
This release also includes:
- File-Backed Mount Support: Added for the EROFS file system.
- Guest PMU Support: For LoongArch KVM.
- Thermal Core Testing: A new module for testing thermal core functionality via debugfs.
- ARM Permission Overlay Extension Support: Utilizing memory protection keys.
- Android Guest Support: Capability to run the Linux kernel as a protected guest on Android.
- Rust Updates: Support for the latest Rust releases and further integration.
- Documentation Improvements: Enhanced clarity and accuracy in documentation.
- Clean-Ups and Bug Fixes: Various code optimizations and bug fixes for improved stability and performance.
Users on rolling release distributions will be among the first to receive Linux Kernel 6.12, while those on LTS versions can expect it in a future point release.