What is new in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, codenamed Xenial Xerus, is a Long Term Support release that delivers a stable, secure, and modern foundation for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. It provides 5 years of standard support for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Core, and Kylin.
The release introduces the Snap package format, transitions to GNOME 3.18 applications under the Unity desktop, updates the Linux kernel to 4.4, and brings major improvements for server and cloud workloads including LXD 2.0 and OpenStack Mitaka.
Key Highlights in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
| Area | Major Update | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Support Period | 5 years standard support | Long-term stability for production use |
| Linux Kernel | Kernel 4.4 LTS | Improved hardware support and security |
| Desktop Environment | Unity 7 with GNOME 3.18 applications | Modern interface with better performance and HiDPI support |
| New Package Format | Snap packages introduced alongside deb packages | Universal, secure, and easily updatable applications |
| Developer Tools | Python 3.5 default, Golang 1.6, GCC 5 branch, PHP 7.0 | Up-to-date toolchains for modern development |
| Server & Cloud | LXD 2.0, OpenStack Mitaka, Nginx with HTTP/2 | Powerful container management and cloud infrastructure |
| Security | OpenSSH 7.2 with disabled legacy cryptography | Stronger default security posture |
Desktop Experience Improvements
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS continues with the Unity 7 desktop while integrating GNOME 3.18 applications and libraries. Notable desktop changes include:
- GNOME Software replaces Ubuntu Software Center and is renamed to Ubuntu Software
- GNOME Calendar included by default
- Improved launcher integration with file manager and removable devices
- Support for GTK headerbar applications
- Better HiDPI support in the greeter and cursor scaling
- Launcher can now be moved to the bottom of the screen
- LibreOffice 5.1 with Breeze theme and many productivity enhancements
- Firefox 45 and Chromium 48
- Online dash searches disabled by default for privacy
Empathy and Brasero were removed from the default installation.
Core System and Performance Updates
The foundation of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS includes several important updates:
- Linux kernel 4.4 LTS with a new remote kernel crash dump mechanism (via SSH or NFS)
- Python 3.5 as default on server, cloud, and touch images (Python 2 still available)
- Apt 1.2 with privilege separation using an unprivileged _apt user
- glibc 2.23, binutils 2.26, and GCC from the GCC 5 branch
- VIM defaults to Python 3
These changes improve system security, performance, and maintainability.
Developer and Toolchain Enhancements
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS provides updated development tools:
- Python 3.5 as the default Python version
- Golang 1.6 toolchain
- PHP 7.0 (note: requires updates to custom extensions and configurations)
- MySQL 5.7 with socket-based authentication for empty root password
- gccgo upgraded to GCC 6.1 release candidate
These toolchains help developers build modern, efficient applications directly from the official repositories.
Server, Cloud, and Container Improvements
Server and cloud users benefit from major updates:
- LXD 2.0 pre-installed on server and cloud images for lightweight container management
- OpenStack Mitaka components including Keystone, Nova, Neutron, and more
- Nginx 1.9.15 with full HTTP/2 support (SPDY superseded)
- Docker 1.10 with image format migration on first start
- libvirt 1.3.1 and QEMU 2.5
- Open vSwitch 2.5.0 with DPDK integration for high-performance networking
- Juju 2.0 with broad cloud and LXD support
Ubuntu Server also gained support for 64-bit IBM z/Architecture (s390x).
Security Enhancements
Security receives significant attention in this LTS release:
- OpenSSH 7.2 disables many legacy and weak cryptographic algorithms by default
- Apt 1.2 runs network operations and parsing under an unprivileged user
- Improved mitigations for hardware vulnerabilities through the kernel
- Stronger defaults for SSH key types and ciphers
These changes provide better protection against modern threats while maintaining compatibility.
How These Changes Help in Real-World Use
Desktop users enjoy a refined Unity experience with better application integration and privacy improvements. Developers gain access to Python 3.5, Golang 1.6, and PHP 7.0 for building secure applications. System administrators and cloud operators benefit from LXD containers, OpenStack Mitaka, and modern networking tools. The introduction of Snaps enables easier installation and updates of applications across different Ubuntu versions.
Upgrades from Ubuntu 14.04 are generally smooth, though users should review changes to Python defaults, networking tools, and OpenSSH security settings.
FAQ
How long is Ubuntu 16.04 LTS supported?
Standard support lasts 5 years for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Core, and Kylin.
What is the new application format introduced in Ubuntu 16.04?
Snap packages, which can be installed alongside traditional deb packages for better security and easier updates.
What Linux kernel version does Ubuntu 16.04 LTS use?
Linux kernel 4.4 LTS, which includes long-term support and security fixes.
Is Python 3 the default in Ubuntu 16.04?
Yes. Python 3.5 is the default on server, cloud, and touch images. Python 2 remains available.
What container technology is pre-installed on Ubuntu 16.04 Server?
LXD 2.0, a powerful and lightweight system container manager.
Should I upgrade to Ubuntu 16.04 LTS?
Yes, especially if you need long-term support, Snap packages, LXD containers, or improved security defaults. Test upgrades in a non-production environment and review OpenSSH and PHP configuration changes.