Last checked and updated on 10 Jun 2026
What Is New in Ubuntu 15.04
Ubuntu 15.04 Vivid Vervet brings a modernized core with a focus on cloud and container technologies. The biggest shift is the move to systemd as the default init system, which aligns Ubuntu with most of the Linux ecosystem. Here's a quick summary of the key changes.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| New Features | systemd init system, LibreOffice 4.4, GCC 4.9, OpenStack Juno |
| Platform & Kernel | Linux kernel 3.19, Enhanced ARM support |
| Cloud & Containers | Docker 1.5.0, Kubernetes, LXD, Open vSwitch 2.3.1 |
| Desktop | Updated Unity 7, Compiz 0.9.12, Indicator improvements |
| Deprecated/Removed | Upstart (replaced by systemd), Python 3.3 |
Why the switch to systemd?
The default init system is now systemd, replacing Upstart. This change was made to unify Ubuntu with the majority of other Linux distributions, simplifying maintenance for developers and sysadmins who work across different platforms.
In practice, this means faster boot times and more robust service management. For those with complex Upstart configurations, a compatibility package is available to ease the transition, though migrating to native systemd service files is recommended.
What's new for cloud and container deployments?
This release is packed with tools for modern infrastructure. Docker 1.5.0 is included, making it easier to deploy and manage containerized applications. Canonical's own LXD container hypervisor is also available for a more secure system container experience.
For large-scale cloud orchestration, you get OpenStack Juno and Kubernetes. The inclusion of Open vSwitch 2.3.1 provides the advanced virtual networking needed for these environments. This stack makes 15.04 a solid foundation for building private clouds.
How does the desktop experience improve?
The Unity desktop receives refinements rather than a major overhaul. You'll find an updated Compiz 0.9.12 window manager and various indicator improvements that polish the overall user experience.
Application-wise, LibreOffice is updated to version 4.4, bringing better performance and interoperability with Microsoft Office formats. Underneath, the toolchain is modernized with GCC 4.9 and the default Python version is now 3.4.
What's under the hood with the kernel and platforms?
Ubuntu 15.04 ships with the Linux 3.19 kernel. This brings support for newer hardware, including improved graphics drivers and power management for laptops.
There's also a significant push for ARM architectures. This release includes certified images for various ARM servers, making it a viable platform for scalable, low-power data center workloads.
FAQ
Is Upstart completely gone in 15.04?
No, it's still installed for compatibility, but systemd
is now the default init system that manages boot and services. You can use the `upstart-sysv` compatibility
package to run Upstart jobs, but new services should be written for systemd.
I use Python 3.3 for my scripts. Will they break?
Yes, potentially. Python 3.3 has been
removed. Your scripts should be tested and ported to use Python 3.4, which is the default version included in
this release.
Can I run Docker and LXD on the same system?
Absolutely. They serve different
purposes--Docker for application containers and LXD for system containers--and are designed to work alongside
each other. You can manage them separately for different workloads.
How do I manage services now with systemd?
Use `systemctl` commands. For example, to start a
service, you'd use `sudo systemctl start servicename` instead of the old `sudo start servicename`. The syntax is
different but more powerful.
Is this release a Long Term Support (LTS) version?
No, Ubuntu 15.04 is a standard release
with 9 months of support. For production deployments that require long-term stability, you should stick with the
14.04 LTS release.