Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 18.10
Ubuntu 18.10 (Cosmic Cuttlefish) delivers a refreshed desktop experience, major toolchain updates, and cloud image enhancements. This release focuses on integrating newer components for developers and improving the overall user experience.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| Linux Kernel | v4.18 |
| Desktop Environment | GNOME 3.30 |
| Toolchain | GCC 8, GLIBC 2.28, OpenJDK 11 |
| Cloud & Server | New AWS AMI, QEMU 3.0, Cloud-Init 18.3 |
| Applications | LibreOffice 6.1, Thunderbird 60 |
What's new with the desktop and GNOME?
The default desktop experience is powered by GNOME 3.30. This brings a more polished feel with performance improvements and subtle visual refinements.
You'll find a new desktop icons extension that brings back the classic ability to show mounted volumes and trash on the desktop. The applications view also gets a small but welcome change, letting you drag and drop icons to organize your favorites.
How are the developer toolchains updated?
This release ships with a modernized set of core development tools. GCC 8.2 is the default system compiler, providing the latest optimizations and language support for C, C++, and Fortran.
The GNU C Library (glibc) is updated to version 2.28. For Java developers, the default OpenJDK has moved to version 11, a significant Long-Term Support (LTS) release. Python 3.6 remains the primary version, while Python 2.7 is still included for legacy support.
What changes are there for cloud and server deployments?
Ubuntu 18.10 introduces a new Amazon Machine Image (AMI) that is optimized for faster boot times on AWS. This is built using a different process that results in a more streamlined image.
Under the hood, QEMU has been updated to version 3.0, and Cloud-Init is at version 18.3. These updates improve the tooling for managing virtualized and cloud instances, making provisioning and initialization more robust.
Is the installation process different?
The installation experience remains familiar but includes an updated kernel and driver stack. The installer now uses Linux kernel 4.18, which offers improved hardware support for newer devices.
This matters because it ensures a wider range of modern laptops, graphics cards, and peripherals will work out-of-the-box without needing manual driver installation after setup.
FAQ
Is Ubuntu 18.10 a Long-Term Support (LTS) release?
No. Ubuntu 18.10 is a standard, non-LTS release with 9 months of support. It is intended for users who want the latest software and are comfortable upgrading every six months.
What is the default version of OpenJDK?
OpenJDK 11 is the default Java development kit in 18.10. This is a major jump from the OpenJDK 8 found in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.
How do I enable the desktop icons?
The functionality is provided by a new GNOME Shell extension. It should be enabled by default, but you can manage it through the GNOME Extensions application if needed.
Is Wayland still the default display server?
Yes, Wayland remains the default session for most users. The X.Org session is still available as an option from the login screen for compatibility with software or hardware that requires it.
Where can I get the new AWS AMI?
The new AMI is available in the AWS EC2 console. You can find it by searching for the AMI name or ID specific to Ubuntu 18.10 in your region.