Release schedule for 26.04?

[stevecoh1]

I'm kind of a kubuntu noob (not an ubuntu noob) and I have a question.

I was persuaded to try Kubuntu in mid-2025 after having some issues with gnome-ubuntu. Although I was urged against this, I decided to use the desktop switching method to switch between kubuntu/plasma and ubuntu/gnome. These fears proved groundless in my case. Since doing the desktop switch, I basically have never looked back and have had no issues with the switch. I found that I greatly prefer Kubuntu. There is nothing in Ubuntu/Gnome that I miss. For me, goodbye Gnome.

So now, April 2026 and thoughts turn to upgrading the system. I think I will back up my system and do a fresh 26-04 install of Kubuntu, without all the desktop switching. But it seems to still be in beta, and I want to wait until it's in full release before doing it. Therefore, as a relative Kubuntu-noob, I'd like to ask the community veterans what is the typical interval between a release version of Ubuntu and the corresponding release version of Kubuntu?

Thank you!

[Snowhog]

26.04 LTS will be released ‘final’ on April 23, 2026. The forum for it here will be opened on that day.

[claydoh]

To add to this, while the release is scheduled for the 23rd, actual upgrades may not be available immediately, so be aware of that.
You also won't see an upgrade notification on your desktop until October, as is Ubuntu's normal release action, but once enabled, people can manually upgrade at any time before the notification. Instructions should be on the release announcements or similar pages when 26.04 is formally released.