Like clockwork, the [1]Linux 7.3 merge window has concluded after two weeks and the Linux 7.3-rc1 kernel now available for testing.

Linux 7.3-rc1 is available following a lot of new code landing for new/improved hardware support, file-system enhancements, security improvements, and a lot more. Of course, also a lot of fixes to different pieces of the Linux kernel as a result of AI/LLM-driven activity.

Linux 7.3 brings new optimizations for Intel hybrid CPUs, more enablement for upcoming AMD Zen 6 platforms, better Btrfs performance, Nouveau support for NVK Vulkan Video, kernel driver support for the 2026 Valve Steam Controller, initial M3 Ultra / Pro / Max support, new AMD graphics IP enablement, initial enabling around Intel Starfire, Intel Xe3P graphics with Nova Lake are now enabled out-of-the-box, FailFS is upstreamed, a low-latency mode for USB4STREAM, and a lot of other new functionality. Linux 7.3 also includes the gaming improvements from Valve for enhancing the experience when running on systems with very limited amounts of vRAM. Plus a number of old/obsolete hardware drivers continue to be removed due to the ongoing noise by AI/LLM agents.

Now onward to more Linux 7.3 kernel testing and performance benchmarking at Phoronix. My more exhaustive feature overview of the Linux 7.3 kernel features will be published in the next few days.

Linus Torvalds hasn't yet posted his release comments on the LKML but they are expected soon. Linux 7.3-rc1 is available via Git.



[1] https://www.phoronix.com/search/Linux+7.3