Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 16.10
Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak is a short-term support release packed with the latest versions of core platform and desktop software. This update focuses on integrating newer kernels, display stacks, and development tools.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| Kernel & Hardware | Linux kernel 4.8, Mesa 12.0, Xorg 1.18.4 |
| Desktop Environment | Unity 7, GNOME 3.20, updated GTK stack |
| Development Tools | Python 3.5, OpenJDK 8, Golang 1.6, Ruby 2.3, PHP 7.0 |
| Cloud & Server | OpenStack Mitaka, QEMU 2.6, DPDK 16.07 |
| Security | PHP 7.0 with OPcache hardening, AppArmor updates |
| Deprecated | Python 2 no longer installed by default on the minimal ISO |
What's new with the Linux kernel in 16.10?
The heart of this release is Linux kernel 4.8. This brings improved support for newer hardware, especially AMD GPU architectures. In practice, this means better out-of-the-box performance for modern graphics cards and more stable support for the latest CPUs.
The update includes key drivers and scheduler improvements that matter for both desktop responsiveness and server workloads. It's a solid step forward for anyone running on current-generation hardware.
How does the graphics stack improvement affect developers?
Ubuntu 16.10 ships with Mesa 12.0 and Xorg 1.18.4, which is a significant update for graphics and display management. For developers working on OpenGL applications or games, this provides more modern and efficient access to GPU resources.
This matters because it reduces the friction for developing and testing graphics-intensive applications on the Ubuntu platform. The newer versions offer better performance and compatibility with a wider range of hardware.
What are the key programming language updates?
The toolchain gets a comprehensive refresh. Python 3.5 is the primary focus, reinforcing the shift away from Python 2. For JVM developers, OpenJDK 8 is the default, bringing lambdas and the new date/time API.
Other stacks like Golang 1.6, Ruby 2.3, and PHP 7.0 are also included. PHP 7.0 specifically has its OPcache hardened, which is a nice win for security and performance of web applications.
What's new for cloud and infrastructure?
This release integrates OpenStack Mitaka, which was the current version at the time. For anyone deploying private clouds or doing OpenStack development, having this bundled is convenient.
It also includes QEMU 2.6 and DPDK 16.07, which are crucial for virtualization and high-performance packet processing workloads. These are foundational updates for building modern infrastructure.
FAQ
Is Python 2 still available in Ubuntu 16.10?
Yes, Python 2.7 is still installable from the repositories, but it is no longer included on the minimal installation ISO by default. This is a clear signal to start migrating scripts and tools to Python 3.
Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to 16.10?
No, direct upgrades from an LTS release are only supported to the next LTS release (16.04). You would need to upgrade to 16.04 first before then upgrading to 16.10.
What is the support lifespan for Ubuntu 16.10?
As a non-LTS release, 16.10 is supported for 9 months, until July 2017. For production systems, you should be on the 16.04 LTS release.
Does Unity 8 come pre-installed with this release?
No, Unity 7 is still the default desktop. Unity 8 is available as a separate session you can install and try out, but it's not the primary experience.
Has the switch to systemd been completed in 16.10?
Yes, Ubuntu completed the transition to systemd in 15.04. 16.10 continues to use systemd as the init system, so all service management should be done with systemctl.