# Manjaro Linux 26.1 release and 26.1.1 update

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/manjaro-linux-version-261-release
> Updated: 2026-08-24T07:43:47.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Manjaro Linux has released version 26.1, a significant update for the Arch Linux-based rolling distribution. The release focuses on modernizing desktop environments and updating core system components, including GNOME 50 and KDE Plasma 6.7. 

A major technical shift in this release is the transition to Linux Kernel 7.1 as the default version to provide better hardware management and energy efficiency. While Linux 6.18 and 6.12 LTS kernels remain available for stability, the distribution has officially dropped support for the 5.x kernel series, which may impact hardware from the mid-2010s.

Following this, Manjaro released version 26.1.1, the first major update in the ‘Bian-May’ series. This update expands the supported kernel lineup to include Linux kernel 7.2, alongside versions 7.1.9 and various LTS branches such as 6.1, 6.6, 6.12, and 6.18. Developers indicated that these kernel updates may resolve previous AMDGPU regressions.

Additional updates in version 26.1.1 include KDE Frameworks 6.29 and an optional migration path to the new Plasma Login Manager for SDDM users. The GNOME edition received visual improvements via a new Folder Colorizer extension for Papirus icon theme users. Other software updates include Mesa 26.1.7, QEMU 11.1.0, VirtualBox 7.2.16, Firefox 154, and Thunderbird 153.0.2. Users are cautioned that kernel series 6.16, 6.17, 6.19, and 7.0 have reached end-of-life status and should be replaced.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Manjaro releases 26.1.1 update with Linux kernel 7.2

Manjaro has released update 26.1.1, introducing Linux kernel 7.2, KDE Frameworks 6.29, and various package upgrades for Firefox, Thunderbird, and virtualization tools.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manjaro-releases-2611-update-with-linux-kernel-72

### 2026-08-12: Manjaro Linux 26.1 releases with Linux Kernel 7.1

Manjaro Linux 26.1 has launched, featuring Linux Kernel 7.1 as the default and updates for GNOME 50 and KDE Plasma 6.7. The update drops support for older 5.x kernels.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manjaro-linux-261-releases-with-linux-kernel-71

### 2026-08-01: Arch Linux releases August 2026 ISO with Linux Kernel 7.1.5

Arch Linux released its August 2026 ISO with Linux Kernel 7.1.5, over 16,000 packages, and marks project lead Levente Polyák’s second term.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arch-linux-releases-august-2026-iso-with-linux-kernel-715

---
Cite as: Manjaro Linux 26.1 release and 26.1.1 update. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/manjaro-linux-version-261-release