Last checked and updated on 06 Jun 2026
What is new in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, codenamed Bionic Beaver, is a Long Term Support release that provides a stable, secure, and modern platform for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. It offers 5 years of standard support for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, and Core.
The release marks the transition to GNOME as the default desktop environment, includes Linux kernel 4.15 (later updated to 5.3 in point releases), improved security features, and strong enhancements for server and cloud workloads including OpenStack Queens and LXD 3.0.
Key Highlights in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
| Area | Major Update | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Support Period | 5 years standard support | Long-term stability for production environments |
| Linux Kernel | Kernel 4.15 (updated to 5.3-based in later point releases) | Better hardware support and performance improvements |
| Desktop Environment | GNOME 3.28 with minimal install option | Modern interface with refined applications and better usability |
| Security | OpenSSL 1.1.1, Spectre/Meltdown mitigations, improved UEFI Secure Boot | Stronger protection against vulnerabilities |
| Developer Tools | Python 3.6 default, OpenJDK 11 default, GCC with PIE and immediate binding | Up-to-date toolchains for secure development |
| Server & Cloud | LXD 3.0, OpenStack Queens, netplan.io as default network configuration | Enhanced virtualization, clustering, and cloud integration |
Desktop Experience Improvements
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS introduces GNOME 3.28 as the default desktop environment (replacing Unity). Key desktop changes include:
- Minimal install option for a lightweight desktop with just a browser and core utilities
- Refreshed applications including updated Nautilus (Files), Settings, and Disk Usage Analyzer
- LibreOffice 6.0 and color emoji support
- Emoji input via Ctrl + . or Ctrl + ;
- Calendar with weather forecasts and week view
- Several utilities delivered as Snaps (Calculator, Character Map replaced by Characters, Logs, System Monitor)
- To Do app included in the default installation
- Improved touchpad behavior with two-finger right-click
- Thunderbolt 3 support in GNOME Shell
- Driverless printing and built-in screen keyboard
Xorg remains the default display server, with Wayland available as a technical preview.
Core System and Performance Updates
The base system includes several foundational changes:
- Linux kernel 4.15 with Spectre and Meltdown mitigations
- Swap file used by default instead of a dedicated swap partition
- Python 3.6 as default (Python 2 no longer installed by default)
- netplan.io as the new network configuration tool (ifupdown deprecated)
- systemd-resolved as the default DNS resolver
- Improved handling of UEFI Secure Boot for third-party DKMS modules
These updates improve boot performance, security, and system maintainability.
Developer and Toolchain Enhancements
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS provides modern development tools:
- Python 3.6 default with Python 2 available in the universe repository
- OpenJDK 11 as the default Java runtime
- GCC defaults to position-independent executables (PIE) and immediate binding for better ASLR
- PHP 7.2 and other updated language runtimes
These changes help developers build more secure and efficient applications using the latest stable toolchains.
Server, Cloud, and Virtualization Improvements
Server and cloud users benefit from significant updates:
- New Subiquity server installer with live session and fast installation
- LXD 3.0 with clustering, NVIDIA passthrough, and improved container features
- QEMU 2.11.1 and libvirt 4.0 with enhanced virtualization support
- OpenStack Queens components
- cloud-init 18.2 with new datasources and improved tools
- Chrony as the recommended NTP server
- Netplan.io with support for advanced networking features including WPA Enterprise and IP tunnels
These enhancements make Ubuntu 18.04 LTS a strong choice for private clouds, containers, and enterprise infrastructure.
Security Enhancements
Security is strengthened in several areas:
- OpenSSL 1.1.1 LTS with co-installable 1.0.2 series
- Mitigations for Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities
- Improved UEFI Secure Boot handling for third-party modules
- Default CIFS/SMB protocol changed to version 2.1 or higher
- bolt and thunderbolt-tools promoted for better Thunderbolt security
- OpenSSH refuses RSA keys smaller than 1024 bits
These features provide better protection against modern security threats.
How These Changes Help in Real-World Use
Desktop users get a modern GNOME-based experience with useful productivity tools and a minimal install option. Developers benefit from updated languages and stronger security defaults. System administrators and cloud operators gain from the new server installer, powerful LXD clustering, OpenStack Queens, and reliable networking with netplan. The swap file default and improved Secure Boot handling simplify deployments while maintaining high security standards.
Upgrades from Ubuntu 16.04 are generally smooth, though users should review changes to networking (netplan), Python defaults, and the removal of encrypted home directory support with ecryptfs.
FAQ
How long is Ubuntu 18.04 LTS supported?
Standard support lasts 5 years for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, and Core.
What desktop environment does Ubuntu 18.04 LTS use?
It uses GNOME 3.28 as the default desktop environment, with Xorg as the primary display server.
What Linux kernel version is included in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS?
The initial release uses kernel 4.15, with later point releases updating to a 5.3-based kernel for improved hardware support.
Is Python 2 installed by default in Ubuntu 18.04?
No. Python 3.6 is the default. Python 2 is available in the universe repository but is no longer installed by default.
What network configuration tool replaces ifupdown?
netplan.io is the new default network configuration tool in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.
Should I upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS?
Yes, especially if you need long-term support, modern GNOME desktop, improved server tools, or better security features. Always test upgrades in a non-production environment and review networking and Python changes.