How Often Is a New Ubuntu LTS Released?

Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) versions are released every two years in April of even-numbered years. These predictable releases provide users, developers, and enterprises with a highly stable operating system that receives five years of standard security patches, bug fixes, and software updates. By understanding this strict release cadence, organizations can plan their infrastructure upgrades well in advance without worrying about unexpected breaking changes.

The Two-Year Release Cadence

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, follows a strict and predictable schedule for its LTS versions. This cycle ensures a balance between introducing modern software features and maintaining ironclad system stability.

• The Schedule: A new LTS version drops in April of every even year (e.g., 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026).
• Version Numbering: Ubuntu version numbers reflect the year and month of release. For example, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS was released in April 2024, and Ubuntu 26.04 LTS was released in April 2026.
• Interim Releases: In the 24-month gap between LTS versions, Canonical releases “interim” versions every six months (such as 24.10 or 25.04). These interim versions only receive 9 months of support and serve as testing grounds for the next LTS.

Support Lifecycle of an LTS Release

The primary appeal of an Ubuntu LTS version is its longevity. Unlike interim releases, which require frequent upgrades, an LTS version is built for the long haul.

• Standard Support: Every LTS release receives 5 years of free security and maintenance updates for its main software repository.
• Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM): For users who need even more time, Canonical offers Ubuntu Pro. This extends security maintenance for an additional 5 to 7 years, offering up to 10 to 12 years of total lifecycle support for a single release.

Why the LTS Schedule Matters

The predictable release of Ubuntu LTS allows enterprise environments, cloud providers, and casual users to manage their systems efficiently. It allows IT departments to test software compatibility against upcoming releases long before they deploy them to production servers, ensuring maximum uptime and security.