The Linux Mint project published their March 2026 monthly status update where they note the ongoing work toward Mint 23 "Alfa" that will be released under their new longer development lifecycle. Linux Mint 23 will be out for Christmas (December) 2026 atop an Ubuntu 26.04 LTS base.

Mint 23 is using Ubuntu 26.04 LTS as its package base, making use of the Linux 7.0 kernel as the same current version used by Ubuntu 26.04, and is running the Cinnamon 6.7-unstable desktop at the moment with its new Wayland screensaver and other components.

Mint 23 is also replacing its Ubiquity OS installer use with the live installer already used by Linux Mint Debian Edition.

Mint 23 development is also working on Wayland support as they continue enhancing their new screensaver, eliminating remaining Cinnamon dependencies around X>Org, and seeing all around that their desktop is working great on Wayland.

After ironing out their base and installer for Mint 23 they will begin focusing more on app improvements for Mint 23.

More details on these early Mint 23 plans via the [1]Mint Monthly News .



[1] https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=5019