GNOME 50, also known as Tokyo, has been released with a significant update: the complete removal of the X11 session. Now, Wayland is the only display server available at login. Users can no longer log into a GNOME 50 session using X11, even if X.org is installed manually.
However, support for X11 applications remains through XWayland, the compatibility layer integrated into GNOME 50. Existing X11 apps continue to work as before. What’s no longer available is the option to use X11 as the session backend itself.
What GNOME 50 Means for Ubuntu and Fedora Users
GNOME 50 is confirmed for Ubuntu 26.04 "Resolute Raccoon," due next month as a long-term support release. Most Ubuntu desktop users will be running GNOME 50 through at least Ubuntu 28.04, and many for the full five-year support lifespan of the 26.04 LTS.
Fedora 44, currently in beta, also ships GNOME 50 as its default desktop.
GNOME 50 Display and Wayland Performance Upgrades
GNOME 50 brings a host of improvements, including support for variable refresh rates and a new low-latency mode for the mouse cursor. The update also expands fractional scaling options, making it easier to get a perfect fit on different screens. Screen sharing now handles HDR content, and color management has been upgraded, along with better graphics acceleration for remote desktop sessions.
Parental Controls and Accessibility in GNOME 50
New parental controls now include features like screen-time limits and automatic locking at bedtime, thanks to funding from the Endless Foundation. The Orca screen reader has received a complete update, and there's a new option to reduce animation effects across the desktop for those who prefer or need less motion.
App Updates in GNOME 50: Files, Papers, Calendar
GNOME Files, which used to go by Nautilus, gets a speed boost and uses less memory in this latest update, along with several interface tweaks. The Document Viewer, now called Papers since GNOME 48, introduces new annotation features like text, drawing, line tools, and highlights. GNOME Calendar also sees improvements, with smoother keyboard navigation and easier ICS file exports. Plus, GTK 4.22 is included for developers to explore.
Why GNOME 50 Marks the End of X11 Sessions
GNOME 50 marks a significant milestone for Linux desktops. By fully embracing Wayland, GNOME is indicating that the future of Linux graphics has arrived and that the days of relying on X11 as the main desktop environment are coming to an end.
GNOME 50 is now available, and users running current distributions will receive it through their regular system updates once the new release is included in their repositories.
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☞ El artículo completo original de Arthur Kay lo puedes ver aquí