Linus Torvalds released the Linux 7.3-rc3 candidate kernel. The developer expects four more candidate versions before the final release, which is currently scheduled for October 18. Ubuntu 26.10, set for release on October 15, will include this kernel version.
The rc3 update is described as significant, with a high volume of changes related to file systems. Key updates include patches for XFS, covering areas like health monitoring, repair, and quota management, alongside security and functionality fixes for the SMB client, such as addressing heap overflow issues.
Hardware support improvements include new audio configurations for Intel and AMD laptops, specifically for Acer Nitro AN17-41 microphones and various HP models. Network drivers received updates for TCP, IPv4/IPv6, and MPTCP, while MediaTek MT792x Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability issues were addressed.
Graphics and security updates feature fixes for AMDGPU and AMD Display, including improvements to GPU reset, FreeSync, and HDMI color settings. Security enhancements include Landlock sandbox fixes and a patch from Microsoft engineer Cen Zhang to resolve a race condition during kernel reboot.
