KDE Plasma Confirms X11 Support Ends with Version 6.8 in 2027

URGENT UPDATE: KDE confirms it will officially drop support for the X11 display server with the upcoming release of KDE Plasma 6.8, expected in early 2027. This transition to Wayland marks a significant shift in the Linux desktop environment, aiming for improved performance and modern capabilities.

As the KDE team announced on their official blog, users of the Plasma desktop environment will notice minimal disruption, as most current users have already migrated to Wayland. This change comes as KDE Plasma continues to evolve, with the current version being 6.5.

Developers emphasized that the decision to phase out X11 support is based on user trends, noting that the majority already utilize Wayland. However, for those who still rely on X11 applications, KDE has provided important alternatives. The support for X11 will officially end with the release of Plasma 6.8, which means users still have over a year to prepare for this transition.

For those concerned about the implications of this change, KDE recommends using long-term support (LTS) distributions like AlmaLinux 9, which will maintain X11 support until 2032. Additionally, KDE highlights the Xwayland compatibility layer, designed to facilitate the use of X11 applications on Wayland. While there may be initial limitations, the KDE team is committed to enhancing Xwayland in the coming months, providing further options for users.

With the impending shift, KDE is giving users ample notice to adapt to these changes. The transition to Wayland signifies KDE’s commitment to delivering a more modern and efficient user experience. As the landscape of Linux desktop environments continues to evolve, these developments are crucial for users to understand.

Stay tuned for more updates as the release date of Plasma 6.8 approaches.