Debian 13.0 Trixie has officially launched, marking the latest two-year stable release of the renowned Debian GNU/Linux operating system. Released on August 9, 2025, this version brings a host of exciting features and improvements that cater to both developers and casual users alike. With over two decades of development and refinement, Debian continues to be a top choice for reliable and secure computing.
One of the standout features of Debian 13 is its foundation on the robust Linux 6.12 LTS kernel. This kernel version enhances system stability and performance, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Additionally, Debian 13 defaults to the GNOME 48 desktop, providing a modern and user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and accessibility.
Developers will appreciate the inclusion of the GCC 14.2 compiler, which introduces various improvements in code optimization and performance. Furthermore, Debian 13.0 incorporates significant package upgrades, including OpenJDK Java 21 and Python 3.13, ensuring that users have access to the latest tools and libraries for software development.
Debian 13.0 also marks a significant milestone as it is the first version to offer official support for RISC-V 64-bit architecture. This inclusion opens new avenues for developers working on innovative hardware projects. Moreover, Debian 13.0 enhances system booting capabilities with support for HTTP booting via UEFI and U-Boot, streamlining the installation process.
Another notable change is the completion of the 64-bit time_t ABI transition, which improves compatibility and performance for various applications. Debian 13 also emphasizes reproducible builds, which is a crucial feature for developers focusing on security and software integrity. Overall, users can expect a slew of performance improvements compared to its predecessor, Debian 12.
For those eager to experience the latest features, Debian 13.0 is readily available for download. Users can access the installation images directly from cdimage.debian.org. The release notes provide additional insights into the changes and enhancements included in this significant update.
Michael Larabel, the principal author of Phoronix.com, has been a prominent figure in the Linux community since founding the site in 2004. His focus on enriching the Linux hardware experience has led him to write over 20,000 articles covering a wide array of topics, including Linux hardware support and performance. He is also the lead developer behind the Phoronix Test Suite, Phoromatic, and OpenBenchmarking.org, which are key tools for automated benchmarking in the Linux ecosystem. Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, or visit MichaelLarabel.com for more updates.