Canonical has unveiled that its Livepatch service now extends support to machines powered by Arm64 processors. Livepatch lets users apply critical kernel updates on the fly, eliminating the need for costly reboots or downtime—a boon for both everyday consumers and mission‑critical systems that cannot afford interruptions.
The new capability ships with Ubuntu Core 26 for Arm64, while Ubuntu Core 20 and later versions remain available for AMD64. Canonical emphasizes that this enhancement bolsters security for devices that aren’t updated daily or weekly, aiding organizations in meeting Cyber Resilience Act compliance requirements.
For those familiar with Ubuntu, most software packages can be refreshed without rebooting. The kernel, however, traditionally forces a system restart to load the new version. Livepatch removes that hurdle, allowing the kernel to be patched in real time.
Connecting your machine to Ubuntu Pro doubles the support horizon for your Ubuntu installation—from five years to a full decade—giving users a longer, more secure platform without the hassle of frequent upgrades.
If you’re an Ubuntu user, share in the comments whether you’ve been looking forward to this feature on your ARM device. And if you own a compatible AMD64 system but haven’t taken advantage of it yet, let us know why.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ubuntu Livepatch and why is its support for Arm64 significant?
Ubuntu Livepatch is a service that lets you apply critical kernel updates without rebooting. Extending this capability to Arm64 means devices powered by ARM processors—common in edge, IoT, and mobile environments—can now receive zero‑downtime security patches, improving reliability and compliance with regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act.
Which Ubuntu releases now support Livepatch on Arm64?
Livepatch on Arm64 ships with Ubuntu Core 26. For AMD64 systems, Livepatch continues to be available on Ubuntu Core 20 and later releases.
How does Ubuntu Pro affect the longevity and security of a system using Livepatch?
Connecting a machine to Ubuntu Pro extends the support period from five to ten years, giving users a longer, more secure platform. With Livepatch, even during that extended period, kernel updates can be applied in real time, eliminating the need for reboots and ensuring continuous protection.
News Source: Neowin
Comments
Be the first to comment.