By Jean-Baptiste Lallement and Tobias Heider
Introduction
ARM64, the 64-bit architecture behind the chips in our smartphones, smart home devices or newer laptops, is rapidly reshaping the computing world.
With tech giants like Apple switching to ARM-based silicon and Qualcomm rolling out laptop chips, it’s clear why ARM64 matters: it delivers a massive boost in performance, astonishing battery life and efficiency, as well as strong security features (like pointer authentication and memory tagging) in modern devices.
In recent years, Ubuntu Desktop on ARM64 has evolved from a niche experiment into a real option for everyday use. By bringing Ubuntu Desktop to ARM64, Canonical is ensuring that Linux users can fully embrace this new era of computing. It means you can enjoy Ubuntu’s familiar experience on cutting-edge ARM laptops and boards, opening the door for innovations.
This post will explore how Ubuntu’s ARM64 journey began, the current status of Ubuntu Desktop on ARM-based PCs, why Ubuntu’s approach is unique and beneficial, upcoming milestones, and how you can get involved in shaping its future.
From an experimental Ubuntu Desktop image to a generic installer
Ubuntu’s journey into ARM64 Desktop started in early 2023 under the sign of a crustacean. The Ubuntu 23.04 “Lunar Lobster” release included the first experimental desktop image for ARM64. This image initially targeted a single device: the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s with a Snapdragon chip. This was a specialized build aimed at showcasing Ubuntu’s commitment to exploring this hardware architecture. However, maintaining a device-specific Ubuntu image proved challenging. Due to limited testing and resources, the experiment was put on pause after 23.10 and no official ARM64 desktop image was released with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Determined to find a better path, the major overhaul came with Ubuntu 24.10 “Oracular Oriole”. Instead of providing separate images for each ARM device, we decided to create a single generic ARM64 installer image. This new unified ISO could boot and install Ubuntu Desktop on a range of ARM64 hardware that supports ACPI and UEFI (like VMs, Ampere and some other boards). Moving away from device-specific images toward a “one size fits all” installer that x86 PC users are accustomed to has been a significant shift. Ubuntu 24.10’s standard ARM64 ISO image, which works just like the familiar x86 live installer, was confirmed to boot and run on the ThinkPad X13s out-of-the-box. Starting from 24.10, users can simply download the generic Ubuntu Desktop ARM64 image, write it to a USB stick, and install Ubuntu on a ThinkPad X13s just as easily as on any standard PC with the few device-specific firmware bits needed.
Encouraged by the progress in 24.10, the next goal was to support upcoming ARM64 laptop platforms like the new Qualcomm Snapdragon “X Elite” series. These chips power premium high-performance laptops from manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell. We released an image to experiment with Snapdragon X Elite support on devices such as the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6.
Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin), to be released in April 2025, is planned to include out-of-the-box support for Snapdragon X Elite laptops as part of the standard release. In just two years, Ubuntu Desktop on ARM64 has gone from a single-device experiment to a unified installer capable of targeting multiple generations of ARM hardware.
It’s important to acknowledge that supporting the ARM64 ecosystem is more challenging than the traditional x86 PC world. The ARM laptop and desktop ecosystem today is less standardized: different devices may have varying levels of UEFI firmware support, or rely on device-specific drivers and custom power management quirks. This unified approach sets Ubuntu apart. Ubuntu’s engineering team has been working to bridge these gaps, moving Ubuntu Desktop ARM64 closer to parity with x86, so that end-users don’t have to worry about them.
It is also important to note that Ubuntu’s ARM64 implementation doesn’t compromise on user experience or support. The ARM64 Desktop build includes the same software and features as the x86 build. It also receives official updates and security patches on the same schedule as any other Ubuntu release. This is a major advantage over community-provided ARM images or spinoffs of other distros, which might not get timely security fixes.
Some use cases where Ubuntu Desktop ARM64 excels
What can you do with Ubuntu Desktop on ARM64? It turns out, quite a lot. Here are some real-world scenarios where Ubuntu’s ARM64 build shines:
- Efficient Laptops
Ubuntu delivers a full desktop experience with excellent battery life, passive cooling, and quiet operation. Perfect for productivity, coding, and travel. - Native ARM64 Development on Embedded & IoT
Ubuntu ARM64 is ideal for developers building on ARM platforms. Just native builds with full access to Ubuntu’s toolchain, containers, and package repos. Great for Embedded, Robotics and IoT. - Virtualization on Apple Silicon
Mac users can run Ubuntu ARM64 VMs on M1/M2 machines using UTM, Parallels, or VMware. These VMs are fast, reliable, and perfect for development and DevOps workflows.
What’s Next for Ubuntu ARM64
Ubuntu’s ARM64 support is rapidly evolving, with exciting improvements on the way:
- Snapdragon X Elite Support: Ubuntu 25.04 will bring out-of-the-box support for Snapdragon X Elite laptops, including upstreamed drivers and installer tweaks for smooth setup.
- Secure Boot & Firmware: Work is underway to improve Secure Boot compatibility and ease firmware handling on ARM devices.
- More ARM64 Apps: Canonical is pushing for wider ARM64 Snap support. While most .deb packages are ready, Snap parity is a key goal, making apps like VS Code and Zoom readily available.
- x86 Emulation: With a growing interest of the community for projects like FEX-Emu or box86. We’re exploring a future where x86 apps and games run on ARM64.
- Performance & Polish: Expect ongoing kernel updates, improved hardware support, and desktop refinements that bring ARM64 ever closer to x86 parity.
- And with the support of the community we may see Ubuntu flavours flourishing.
The future is bright for Ubuntu on ARM64. With hardware vendors releasing powerful ARM laptops and Ubuntu working on support, we’re approaching a point where ARM64 may become a mainstream choice for users of Ubuntu Desktop. We’re working toward a future where “Ubuntu just works” on everything from Raspberry Pi to high-end ARM workstations.
How you can help
Ubuntu Desktop ARM64 relies on community support. If you’re interested in helping, here are some great ways to contribute:
- Test on ARM64 Hardware: Try Ubuntu Desktop on any ARM device or VM you have. Report successes or bugs (like Wi-Fi issues or install problems) to help improve support. During beta periods, use the ISO tracker to run test cases and submit results.
- Join Community Discussions: Engage in forums like Ubuntu Discourse or Ubuntu Desktop Devel Matrix channel. Share feedback, fixes, or ask questions. Developers often post updates there, and helping new users is a great contribution.
- Improve Documentation: Share your tips and fixes whether it’s device-specific quirks, install guides, or performance tuning by contributing to the Ubuntu documentation. It’s a huge help to newcomers.
- Test Snap Packages: Use and test Snap apps on ARM64. Report issues or help maintainers enable ARM builds. Your feedback improves app availability for all ARM users.
Ubuntu ARM64 is a community-driven journey. Whether you test, report, write, or just share your experience. Your help makes Ubuntu better.
Installation and Setup
So, are you ready to try out Ubuntu Desktop on ARM64 for yourself? Thankfully, installing Ubuntu on a supported ARM64 device today is very similar to installing it on any x86 PC. You can follow the thread on the Snapdragon X Elite for the Ubuntu 24.10 Concept or this quick walkthrough for a Ubuntu 25.04 beta build:
- Get a Compatible Device or VM: Use any ARM64 machine, a supported laptop, a dev board, or an ARM64 VM. Ensure firmware allows OS booting.
- Download the ARM64 ISO: Get the latest ARM64 desktop ISO. It’s a single image that works across supported ARM hardware.
- Create Installation Media: Write the ISO to a USB stick for physical installs. For VMs, just mount the ISO as a virtual CD drive.
- Boot and Install: Boot your device or VM from the ISO. The Ubuntu installer will guide you through setup.
- Finish and Set Up: After installation, reboot, complete the first-time setup, and connect to the internet to install updates. Check that hardware (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) works. On VMs, consider installing guest tools for better integration.
Ubuntu Desktop ARM64 installs much like x86, simple and familiar. If you run into issues, the community forums like Ubuntu Discourse or Ubuntu Desktop Devel Matrix channel are great places to find advice and fixes.
Ubuntu on ARM64 is no longer an abstract future; it’s here today, and with your help it will only get better tomorrow. Come along for the ride, and happy computing on ARM64!
Thanks to Tobias Heider for his contributions without whom Ubuntu Desktop ARM64 and this article would not exist.