Solus has released version 4.8, code-named Opportunity. This update introduces a new epoch, refreshed desktops, and several system improvements across all editions. Here is a clear breakdown of what has changed.

Solus 4.8 Opportunity release

What’s new in Solus 4.8?

Core system changes

  • Solus moved to a new epoch, completing the long-running Usr-Merge effort.
  • A new package repository named Polaris is now in use.
  • Python 2 is fully removed from the distribution.
  • The website has been redesigned and is easier for the team to maintain.
  • Plymouth is enabled by default to support offline update workflows.
  • All packages depending on GObject Introspection now use the girepository 2.0 API.

Default applications

All editions include updated versions of core applications:

  • Firefox 145.0.1
  • LibreOffice 25.2.6
  • Thunderbird 140.5.0

Kernel, Mesa, and systemd

  • Linux kernel 6.17.8 (with 6.12.58 as the LTS option)
  • Mesa 25.2.6
  • systemd updated to 257.10, with modernized packaging and slimmer 32-bit builds

What’s new in the Budgie Edition?

The Budgie Edition ships with Budgie 10.9.4, built for compatibility with GNOME 49.

Key improvements

  • Budgie and its applets now use libpeas-2 and girepository-2.0.
  • Support for Python-based applets continues.

New default

  • Pocillo Dark is now the default GTK theme.

What’s new in the GNOME Edition?

Solus GNOME moves to GNOME 49.1, a refinement of the GNOME 49 release.

Changes in session handling

  • The X11 session is no longer included by default.
  • Users who need X11 can install the gnome-session-shell-x11 package.

Key improvements in GNOME 49

  • Accent color support
  • Better accessibility in the Calendar app
  • Faster GNOME Software
  • Improved Remote Desktop support
  • Lock-screen media controls
  • HDR brightness options

New defaults

  • MoreWaita icon theme
  • Decibel audio player
  • Papers PDF viewer
  • Ptyxis terminal

What’s new in the Plasma Edition?

The Plasma Edition includes the latest KDE stack:

  • KDE Frameworks 6.19.0
  • KDE Plasma 6.5.3
  • KDE Gear 25.08.3

Session changes

  • X11 is no longer shipped by default.
  • Users who want it can install the plasma-x11 package.

Plasma 6.5 highlights

  • Automatic theme transitions
  • Fuzzy search in KRunner
  • Rounded bottom window corners
  • Performance improvements in Discover

What’s new in the Xfce Edition?

The Xfce Edition is now promoted to a full Solus edition.

Key change

  • Ships with Xfce 4.20, a stable and lightweight desktop that fits users who prefer speed and reliability.

Download

You can download the Solus 4.8 edition of your choice from the Solus download page.

For further information on Solus 4.8 Opportunity - see the official release announcement.