KDE Confirms X11 Support Ends with Plasma 6.8 Release

UPDATE: KDE has just announced a significant change for Linux users: support for the X11 display server will officially end with the upcoming release of Plasma 6.8. This transition to Wayland, which many users have already embraced, is set to occur in early 2027.

The KDE development team confirmed that while X11 will be phased out, most Plasma users already operate on Wayland, minimizing the impact of this shift. As of now, the current version is 6.5, meaning users still have ample time to adapt before the final cut-off.

In an official statement on the KDE blog, developers highlighted that the decision to drop X11 is part of a broader move toward improved performance and functionality with Wayland. Users who heavily rely on X11 will be supported into early 2027, as KDE continues to enhance its offerings.

For those concerned about the transition, there are viable alternatives. KDE recommends users consider Long-Term Support (LTS) distributions, such as AlmaLinux 9, which will maintain X11 support until 2032. Additionally, the Xwayland compatibility layer is available, providing sufficient support for most X11 applications.

KDE’s proactive approach allows ample time for users to familiarize themselves with Wayland and explore these alternatives. While some may find the change daunting, the transition has been largely beneficial for system performance, according to early adopters.

As the Linux community braces for this shift, the emphasis is on adaptation and understanding the new landscape of desktop environments. Expect further updates as KDE approaches the release of Plasma 6.7 and beyond, with more details on the timeline for the complete phase-out of X11.

This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the Linux ecosystem, as KDE leads the charge toward modernizing its desktop experience. Stay tuned for the latest developments as this situation unfolds.