Exploring the New Ubuntu 25.04: Plucky Puffin and Why You Should Try It

Ubuntu 25.04, affectionately named Plucky Puffin, was launched in April 2025, and it’s packed with a host of impressive updates and features. Whether you’re a developer, a server administrator, or just someone who uses a computer daily, Ubuntu 25.04 is tailored to meet your needs. Let’s dive into what makes this release special and why it might be the perfect fit for your next project or upgrade.

What is Ubuntu 25.04, Plucky Puffin?

Ubuntu 25.04 is the latest release from Canonical, the company behind the popular Linux distribution. This version includes the new GNOME 48 desktop environment, a fresh “devpack” for Spring, and optimizations for AI tasks on Intel GPUs. It also introduces enhanced security features with AMD SEV-SNP, ideal for those handling confidential computing. According to Jon Seager, VP of Ubuntu Engineering at Canonical, Plucky Puffin combines the best of open-source desktop tech with robust developer tools, aiming to support large-scale AI deployments securely, whether on public clouds or private data centers.

What’s New in Ubuntu 25.04?

There are plenty of exciting updates in this release, designed to boost performance, enhance user experience, and streamline development workflows.

GNOME 48 Desktop Environment

Ubuntu 25.04 brings the highly anticipated GNOME 48, offering a much smoother user experience. With improvements such as triple buffering, this update reduces lag and delivers a faster boot and installation process. The addition of HDR support also enhances visuals, making colors more vibrant on compatible displays. Another noteworthy feature is the new Wellbeing Panel, which lets users track screen time and manage focus – a great tool for productivity.

Enhanced Battery and Hardware Support

Ubuntu 25.04 introduces a new Preserve Battery Health feature, designed to prevent overcharging, a handy addition for those using laptops. On top of that, the inclusion of Linux Kernel 6.14 ensures better hardware compatibility and power management. If you’re working long hours on a laptop or running servers, these enhancements will make a noticeable difference. Additionally, Lease Packet offers ready-to-use Ubuntu 25.04 servers, making deployment hassle-free.

The New PDF Reader: Papers

Goodbye Evince, hello Papers! Ubuntu 25.04 ships with a new default PDF reader built with GTK 4. This upgrade makes reading and managing documents faster and more responsive. While this may seem like a small change, it’s a welcomed one for those who frequently work with PDFs.

APT 3.0 & Smarter Package Management

APT 3.0 is another significant improvement in Ubuntu 25.04. This new version enhances package installation with smarter dependency handling, shifting from GPG verification for HTTPS to OpenSSL. As a result, installing packages is now more secure and reliable. For cloud and VPS hosts, this change translates into faster, more stable setups, a benefit that Lease Packet optimizes for their users.

Developer-Friendly Features

Ubuntu 25.04 is a developer’s dream, thanks to the introduction of devpacks. These pre-packaged snap bundles make it easier for developers to start coding with the right tools already bundled. Whether you work with Go, Rust, Python, or .NET, you’ll find the necessary toolchains readily available. Lease Packet ensures these devpacks run seamlessly on their infrastructure, saving developers valuable setup time.

Improved Gaming Support

Gamers can also rejoice with the inclusion of the NTSYNC driver, which enhances the performance of Wine and Proton. These improvements mean better compatibility for Windows games on Linux, bringing Ubuntu a step closer to becoming a go-to platform for gaming. If you’re considering setting up a gaming server or a virtual desktop, Lease Packet offers Ubuntu 25.04 servers optimized for gaming.

Focus on Security with Confidential Computing

Ubuntu 25.04 puts a strong emphasis on security, particularly with the addition of confidential computing using AMD SEV-SNP. This feature ensures that sensitive data is securely processed, making it ideal for businesses handling private or customer data. Lease Packet’s servers come with these security features built-in, so you can rest easy knowing your infrastructure is protected.

ARM64 Desktop ISO

For those using ARM-based devices like Raspberry Pi or new ARM64 laptops, Ubuntu 25.04 includes a new, optimized desktop ISO. It’s designed to run smoothly on ARM hardware, making it an excellent choice for edge computing or smaller-scale deployments. Lease Packet also offers ARM64-ready servers, perfect for developers and businesses experimenting with ARM-based systems.

Why You Should Consider Ubuntu 25.04 Now

Ubuntu 25.04 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for speed, simplicity, and control. Whether you’re developing a new application or managing a business infrastructure, this version of Ubuntu provides tools and features to make your life easier. If you’ve been curious about what modern Linux can offer, this release is a perfect opportunity to explore it.

Where to Find Ubuntu 25.04 Servers?

If you want a smooth Ubuntu 25.04 experience without the hassle of installation and configuration, Lease Packet has you covered. They offer powerful, affordable servers pre-configured with Ubuntu 25.04. Whether you need a dedicated server, a cloud instance, or something custom, Lease Packet can provide it all. With 24/7 support, global server locations, and up-to-date hardware, you can count on reliable performance and fast speeds for any project you’re working on.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu 25.04 is a release that combines innovation with practicality. It brings significant improvements to performance, security, and developer tools, all while maintaining the simplicity and ease of use Ubuntu is known for. Whether you’re using it on a desktop or a server, Ubuntu 25.04 delivers a polished, modern experience that’s sure to satisfy a wide range of users.