Going on since last year has been [1]an effort to improve FreeBSD laptop support with backing by Dell, AMD, Framework Computer, Netflix, and others. This has focused on [2]better WiFi driver support , [3]enhancing power management , and [4]other improvements for modern laptops . That work has been continuing on all fronts for improving the FreeBSD laptop user experience.

The FreeBSD laptop project recently published their April 2025 status report that outlines some of their recent efforts. In recent weeks some of the FreeBSD improvements have included:

- Updated Realtek RTW88/RTW89 WiFi driver support was picked up for FreeBSD 15 and the new FreeBSD 14.3.

- Support for TKIP WiFi security is now present in FreeBSD 14.3 but still needs to be manually enabled.

- Intel WiFi firmware updates are now handled through FreeBSD's package management system.

- FreeBSD has been re-basing against the Linux 6.7 DRM kernel graphics drivers for better graphics/display support. Work toward Linux 6.8 is ongoing.

- Continued work on better handling suspend/resume support and modern s0ix standby support.

More details for those interested via the [5]FreeBSD Foundation Blog .



[1] https://www.phoronix.com/news/FreeBSD-Better-Laptops

[2] https://www.phoronix.com/news/FreeBSD-On-Laptops-WiFi-802.11g

[3] https://www.phoronix.com/news/FreeBSD-S0ix-Goal

[4] https://www.phoronix.com/news/FreeBSD-Q1-2025

[5] https://freebsdfoundation.org/blog/april-2025-laptop-support-and-usability-project-update/