System76 COSMIC Desktop updates

In late July 2026 System76 rolled out two linked software releases. On 23 July it launched Pop!_OS 20.04, a Ubuntu‑based distribution aimed at desktop and gaming users, and concurrently shipped COSMIC Desktop 1.4.0 (code‑named “Epoch”). The update introduced a Windows‑style tiling window manager, expanded multi‑workspace support, Flatpak integration, a hybrid‑graphics mode for Intel/Nvidia laptops, a firmware manager for automatic updates, and the ability to perform offline upgrades. COSMIC 1.4.0 added system‑monitor graphs, refined kiosk‑mode handling, new volume‑step configuration, fixes for VPN credential prompts, improved HiDPI scaling, and broader compatibility with non‑systemd init systems.

A week later, on 29 July, System76 released COSMIC Desktop 1.6. This version focused on stability and high‑DPI usability, adding a compositor workaround that eliminates rendering glitches in Chromium‑ and Electron‑based applications when scaling is set below 100 %. Additional fixes addressed a D‑Bus accessibility deadlock, X11 focus issues after remapping, and GPU‑reset crashes. The panel’s CPU usage was reduced during lock screens, touch‑input reliability improved, and visual bugs on external monitors were resolved. Wallpaper management was expanded to support up to 500 images with batch addition, and networking settings stopped storing VPN usernames as secrets. Overall, the releases show System76’s ongoing refinement of its Linux stack, adding features for gamers and power users while tightening reliability across hardware configurations.