Ubuntu Touch reinvents itself with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

The Ubuntu Touch project is entering a major new phase with the release of version 24.04-1.0, integrating the robust foundation of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, aka Noble Numbat. This development, signed by the UBports Foundation, marks a significant turning point for this Linux mobile operating system, which aims to offer a truly free and privacy-friendly alternative to market giants like Android and iOS. This deployment builds on the stable and sustainable foundation of the Ubuntu LTS version, guaranteeing longevity, security, and compatibility with a wide range of devices, including popular models like the Fairphone, PinePhone, and Purism’s Librem devices.

Ubuntu Touch thus reaffirms its mission: to offer a seamless, secure, and fully customizable mobile experience, while strengthening its key features, particularly around user privacy and device convergence. This update comes with numerous notable improvements, affecting the user interface, device management, and system settings.

For Linux enthusiasts, developers, and system administrators, understanding the concrete benefits of this new version based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is crucial. It perfectly illustrates the open-source ecosystem’s ability to renew itself in a mobile environment, previously dominated by sometimes less open systems. Discover below the details of the developments and innovations that Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 introduces for an increasingly engaged community.

Ubuntu Touch 24.04 LTS: a solid and sustainable foundation for a free mobile system

UBports’ decision to base the new version of Ubuntu Touch on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) is not insignificant. The LTS (Long Term Support) version of Ubuntu is designed to offer extended technical support for five years, with carefully planned security and maintenance updates. This feature guarantees a reliable and stable foundation, essential for a mobile distribution intended for everyday and often professional use.

By using this base, Ubuntu Touch benefits from several major advantages:

A modernized Linux kernel: taken from Linux 6.x, with the latest bug fixes and optimizations, it offers better hardware management, particularly for ARM-based smartphones. An up-to-date software base: system libraries, network management tools, and key services are updated, strengthening security and overall stability. Increased compatibility with new architectures and devices:
particularly with recent models of the PinePhone, Fairphone 5, Volla Phone, and Lenovo Tab, providing a seamless user experience. Updated development tools and graphical environments,
enabling the creation and maintenance of native or web applications compatible with Ubuntu Touch. This technical development also ensures better integration with modern security, network, and privacy protocols, thus addressing increasingly sensitive uses regarding the protection of personal data. For example, the recent addition of an experimental personal data encryption system represents a major step forward.
For comparison, other mobile distributions like PostmarketOS or Mobian also rely on standard Linux bases, but Ubuntu Touch relies on the robustness and durability of Ubuntu LTS, ensuring a longer life cycle and a more mature ecosystem. This positioning reinforces its attractiveness for both professionals and Linux enthusiasts looking for an alternative to Android without compromising on stability.discover ubuntu touch 24.04: the new version of the open source mobile operating system, offering more security, an improved interface and new features for compatible smartphones and tablets.

The major new features of Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 for a refined and secure mobile experience

This first version based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers a range of innovative features intended to considerably improve users’ daily lives. One of the most anticipated is the introduction of experimental encryption of personal data. In principle, this encryption is triggered as soon as the user activates the option in the settings. Sensitive data is then protected by symmetric encryption linked to a PIN code or passphrase.

Technical operation is based on decryption of data when entering the password at startup, via a minimalist interface. This protection limits the risk of data exfiltration in the event of loss or theft of the device. This is a major advance in the current context where mobile security is essential and where few free mobile OS offer such advanced functional native encryption.

At the same time, several ergonomic improvements reinforce accessibility and customization:

Dynamic theming

: the user can now instantly switch between different app themes (light, dark, custom) via an integrated live-switching system.

Redesigned interface for the Phone app

: a new design adapted to large screens, optimizing readability and access to key features. Improved USB settings
allowing native internet sharing, simplifying tethering without the need for third-party applications. Refined Bluetooth management
: MAC address display accessible in the settings and the ability to manually restart the search for nearby devices. Single-use manual rotation button
to quickly correct the screen orientation depending on the context. Practical options also enhance the calendar manager and time-based notifications, with the ability to now set a default reminder sound and choose which information (week numbers, events, alarms) is displayed in the status bar.
These changes, far from being trivial, contribute to better integration into a demanding professional or personal setting. Adjustments to the touchscreen and virtual keyboard, including the default disabling of autocorrect and smart punctuation, address user feedback seeking precision and control when typing. Other improvements and technical fixes

All system settings have also been improved: the “About” page has been renamed to “System Information,” with the option to hide the phone’s IMEI number by default to enhance privacy. Wi-Fi now has a more comprehensive display of advanced settings, useful for network troubleshooting and multi-point management.

Overall performance also benefits from reduced flickering when loading avatars in the Contacts app and improved workspace management for users using convergence on tablets or external displays. These changes reflect a strong desire to optimize fluidity and reduce common bugs.

Interested users can find a complete summary with all the technical details directly on the official UBports website, in their official release announcement.

Broad hardware support: Fairphone, PinePhone, Volla Phone, and other Linux-compatible devices

The strength of Ubuntu Touch also lies in its wide range of hardware on which it is implemented. This update explicitly targets several flagship models that are benchmarks in the mobile Linux ecosystem:

Fairphone

(models 3, 3+, 4, and 5): The founder of this modular smartphone emphasizes easy repair, durability, and respect for the environment. Compatibility with Ubuntu Touch offers an alternative for users who are sensitive to these values.

PinePhone

(installations on Pine64): Popular with the open-source community, this smartphone designed by Pine64 is a favorite testing ground for Linux mobile operating systems, and Ubuntu Touch regularly deploys its latest versions. Volla Phone
and Volla Tablet: Produced by the German company Volla, these devices are specifically designed to host mobile Linux in a secure and data-friendly environment. Librem 5 by Purism
: This privacy-focused phone is also supported, allowing users to use Ubuntu Touch in harmony with Purism’s fundamentally free principles. The expansion of the compatible hardware list demonstrates the project’s maturity and the colossal adaptation work carried out by the UBports community. It guarantees a gradual but robust deployment on a variety of devices, from compact phones to touchscreen tablets like the Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd Gen WiFi/LTE.
This hardware versatility is a strong argument for users looking for a Linux system adapted to mobile devices, now capable of competing with other distributions such as Mobian, Sailfish OS, or the various Android x86 or postmarketOS variants. Discover Ubuntu Touch 24.04, the latest version of the open-source mobile operating system. Enjoy a modern interface, new features, and a seamless experience on your compatible devices.

Installing and Updating Ubuntu Touch: Recommended Practices and Precautions for Users

The process of installing or updating to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 remains accessible even for users with moderate Linux experience. UBports offers a robust installer that simplifies deployment on compatible mobile devices, ensuring a smoother experience compared to the initial phases of the project.

Here are some practical tips to avoid common pitfalls:

Check hardware compatibility:

Consult the official list of devices supported by Ubuntu Touch 24.04, as installing on an unsupported device can cause major malfunctions.

Perform a full backup:

Updating or reinstalling erases data. It is essential to back up photos, contacts, and important documents. Install via the official UBports Installer:
This program provides step-by-step guidance, from connecting the phone to flashing the system. Consult dedicated forums and resources
: The UBports community is very active and offers documentation and help in case of problems. Root access or unlocking the bootloader: This is required on some devices to flash the new version of the system.
In addition, the user experience is improved thanks to the solid foundations of the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS distribution. For example, improved management of Bluetooth and USB connections simplifies network operations, a plus for those who want to use their device in professional or hybrid environments. The Ubuntu Touch project also maintains great vigilance regarding security, with regular updates including the latest protections against Linux vulnerabilities. For more in-depth information on security topics, it is recommended to consult specialized articles on major vulnerabilities such as critical sudo vulnerabilities in Linux or Linux password theft vulnerabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5I5huOq9ng
Ubuntu Touch vs. the Competition: What Challenges and What Place Does Its in the Linux Mobile Ecosystem Look Like? In 2025, the market for free mobile operating systems remains relatively small but is growing rapidly. Ubuntu Touch maintains a prominent position thanks to its solid foundation, its connection with Canonical, and its community support. However, competition is fierce with projects like postmarketOS, Mobian, and even some privacy-focused Android forks.

The main challenges facing Ubuntu Touch are related to:

Hardware Diversity: It is complex to maintain broad support that covers all models, especially in the face of proprietary or closed-source architectures. The Application Ecosystem: Although compatible with numerous web applications and some native applications, the catalog remains limited compared to Android or iOS.Public Awareness

: Adoption often requires a technical learning curve, which can be a barrier for beginners.

Funding and human resources

: UBports relies heavily on donations and volunteer contributions, which limits its ability to accelerate development.

However, these challenges are offset by several major strengths:

A privacy-centric system , with features such as data encryption and the default disabling of invasive data collection.
A fluid and customizable interface , optimized for ease of use without sacrificing freedom.
The project is open, transparent, and unites an active community that continually enriches features and ensures agile development.
Successful integration of convergence allowing the use of an Ubuntu Touch smartphone as a workstation thanks to multi-screen features and advanced workspace management.

This duality reinforces the relevance of Ubuntu Touch for passionate Linux users, particularly those who wish to completely free themselves from proprietary platforms and enjoy total flexibility in their daily lives. To better understand Ubuntu Touch’s positioning, a technical comparison between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux offers interesting insights into the philosophy and uses of each system:

Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux.
Discover Ubuntu Touch 24.04: the new version of the free and secure mobile operating system, offering performance, simplicity, and optimized applications for smartphones and tablets.