Armbian has rolled out version 25.8.1, and it’s one that SBC enthusiasts will want to pay attention to. The August release strengthens the Linux distribution’s foundation with updated kernels, new board support, and official Debian Trixie compatibility.
At the heart of the update, most supported devices now have Kernel 6.16 available in the EDGE branch, while the STABLE branch stays on long-term Kernel 6.12. Allwinner platforms saw updates too, with current moving to 6.12.35 and edge up to 6.15.4. These changes bring security fixes, performance boosts, and wider hardware support. Bootloaders also received attention, with U-Boot refreshed for several boards, including Banana Pi and Orange Pi devices, ensuring a more reliable boot process.
Board support continues to expand, which is always a major draw for the Armbian community. Platinum-level support now covers the NanoPi R3S LTS and KickPi K2B. On the community-supported side, new additions include the CAINIAO CNIoT-CORE, Banana Pi R4 Router, Radxa Cubie A5E, Orange Pi 5 Pro, and DshanPi A1 based on the RK3576 SoC. Even the PocketBeagle 2 has gained current branch support with USB serial enabled, reflecting Armbian’s commitment to both mainstream and niche SBCs.
Hardware fixes and driver updates are another standout. The Rock-5C now has thermal sensors enabled, audio functionality has been restored on the RockPi-S, and Wake-on-LAN finally works again on the Helios4. Driver support has been broadened as well, with new additions for Realtek RTL8822CS, RTL8852AE/CE, and Innosilicon’s USB3 PHY. Raspberry Pi 5 users will be pleased to know DSI display issues have been ironed out, and LTE EM05 support was introduced to bring WWAN connectivity to certain Rockchip-based boards.
On the software side, Debian Trixie is now officially supported, marking the first time Armbian has aligned itself with what will become Debian 13. These images are stable and ready for daily use. At the same time, Armbian continues to provide minimal Debian Bookworm images to maintain compatibility for those who prefer or require Debian 12. This dual-track approach gives users flexibility while positioning Trixie as the project’s forward-looking base.
The familiar armbian-config tool has also matured, with better WireGuard networking, improved Pi-hole integration with Unbound, more robust Docker installs, and even new modules like Ghost CMS. Cockpit now ties in with KVM management, while refinements in overlay handling and automated testing help polish the user and developer experience.
For anyone running a single-board computer, Armbian remains one of the most practical Linux options. With v25.8.1, the project keeps pushing forward, balancing fresh updates with stability while expanding hardware support. Whether you’re building a DIY server, a smart home controller, or an industrial deployment, this release makes Armbian a stronger platform to build on.
