Linux Mint fans, get ready. The team behind the popular Ubuntu-based Linux distribution has confirmed that version 22.2 is nearly ready for beta testing. While there’s no firm date just yet, the developers are targeting the end of July or early August for the public beta rollout.
This next iteration of Linux Mint brings a few noteworthy changes. For starters, there’s a Hardware Enablement (HWE) kernel, which should improve support for newer hardware right out of the box. Fingerprint authentication is finally arriving too, adding another layer of convenience and security for users who want biometric login options.
The Cinnamon desktop is also getting some love, especially when it comes to Wayland. Linux Mint is working to make input methods and keyboard layouts play nice with the newer display protocol. That’s a big deal for those testing the waters beyond X11.
Visually, users can expect fresh theme updates, better compatibility with libAdwaita apps, and support for accent colors. In a world where customization is key, Mint continues to offer users the ability to make their systems feel personal without compromising stability.
Work on the beta is in full swing. Pull requests are being merged, packages are getting finalized, and while the team is staying quiet on an exact release date, all signs point to a near-term launch.
But Linux Mint 22.2 isn’t the only thing in the pipeline.
Once the stable version of Mint 22.2 ships, the project plans to pivot to LMDE 7, codenamed “Gigi,” in September. LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition) offers the same Mint experience but built on Debian instead of Ubuntu. Gigi will incorporate all the improvements from Mint 22.2 but swap out the Ubuntu 24.04 base for the newly released Debian 13.
And there’s more. LMDE 7 will finally support OEM installations, making it a viable option for pre-installed deployments. This could attract hardware vendors who want to ship a polished Debian-based experience without needing Ubuntu underneath.
Between these two projects, it’s clear the Mint team is focused on both modernizing the user experience and offering more flexibility. Whether you’re a die-hard Cinnamon user or a fan of Debian’s minimalist backbone, there’s something to look forward to.
