Linus Torvalds releases Linux 7.0 rc1 and jokes about future succession
Feb 23rd 2026
Torvalds announced the first release candidate for Linux 7.0, downplayed version numbers, noted a community succession plan, and highlighted technical updates including strengthened Rust support and non disruptive updates.
- Torvalds published Linux 7.0 rc1 and said major version numbers are mostly symbolic.
- The kernel project will end each series at x.19 before moving to y.0, a cycle that takes about 3.5 years.
- Torvalds joked that someone more comfortable with numbers past the teens will eventually lead and the community has a continuity plan.
- He described the recent merge window as fairly smooth and asked contributors to test build and test boot the new kernel.
- Linux 7.0 includes cemented Rust support, faster cache clearing, support for non disruptive kernel updates, improvements for AMD, Intel, RISC V and LoongArch, and removal of an old ThinkPad modem driver.