The UBports Foundation has released Ubuntu Touch OTA-1.2, alongside an update for Ubuntu Touch 20.04, marking significant improvements and bug fixes just over two months after the previous OTA-1.1 update. This latest version addresses a critical boot issue affecting Sony Xperia X devices introduced with the Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 update, which was noted for its instability.

In addition to the boot fix, the OTA-1.2 update enhances mobile data reliability while utilizing VoLTE on various carriers and improves the process for importing .ics calendar event files. Similar enhancements have been included in the Ubuntu Touch OTA-12 release.

Other notable fixes in this release resolve problems related to receiving "cell broadcast" messages on multiple devices, switching mobile data SIMs on certain dual-SIM devices, and issues with deleting online accounts from the Calendar app.

Moving forward, UBports developers will prioritize the Ubuntu Touch 24.04 series, resulting in a decreased frequency of updates for the 20.04 series. The recommendation is for users to upgrade their devices to Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.2 for a better experience.

Ubuntu Touch 24.04, launched in September 2025, features notable upgrades such as a fresh logo, a built-in method for switching application themes, live theme switching capabilities, and experimental personal data encryption support.

Existing users of Ubuntu Touch on the Stable channel will receive the new OTA updates through the Updates section of the System Settings application. However, the rollout will not be uniform, so patience may be necessary for some users awaiting updates.

For more details, you can check the release announcement page.

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Ubuntu Touch OTA-1.2: Resolving Boot Issues for Sony Xperia X and Enhancing VoLTE Support
 

The UBports Foundation has released Ubuntu Touch OTA-9, marking the ninth stable update to their mobile operating system based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa). This version introduces several enhancements, notably support for new devices including the Lenovo Tab M10 HD (2nd Gen WiFi/LTE) and Xiaomi Redmi 9 and 9 Prime smartphones.

OTA-9 arrives just three months after OTA-8 and focuses on improving VoLTE support, enabling it to function seamlessly with additional carriers specifically for Volla devices. The update also brings enhancements to Waydroid, which will soon support official Android 13 images, along with a fresh Noto Color Emoji font for better emoji compatibility.

Key features of this update include:

• Improved system-update functionality that retrieves battery data from UPower directly.
• Updates to the channel name parser to accommodate UTNext.
• Support for the 1&1 German APN and the introduction of a systemd service for applying per-interface sysctls retroactively.
• Enhanced support for setting IP protocols to dual for IMS type APNs.
• Numerous bug fixes and security enhancements derived from both upstream Ubuntu and UBports.

The OTA-9 update is being rolled out to all compatible devices, such as:

• Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
• F(x)tec Pro1 X
• Fairphone 3, 3+, and 4
• Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL
• Lenovo Tab M10 HD (2nd Gen WiFi/LTE)
• Various models of OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Sony devices

Users on the Stable channel can find the OTA-9 update in the Updates section of the System Settings app. The rollout begins today but may not reach all users simultaneously; patience is advised for those who don’t see the update immediately. More information can be found on the release announcement page.

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Ubuntu Touch OTA-9 Launches with Enhanced VoLTE and Waydroid Features
 

The UBports Foundation announced today the release and general availability of Ubuntu Touch OTA-5 as the latest stable version of this Ubuntu-based privacy and freedom-respecting mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets.

Ubuntu Touch OTA-5 is here six months after the Ubuntu Touch OTA-4 update as the fifth stable update based on the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) operating system series. To update your devices, go to System Settings > Updates.

Highlights include a more granular power profile system to distinguish sustained vs. interactive modes on supported devices and the ability to notify users if calendar synchronization fails due to authentication issues, prompting users for a new password if required.

This release also fixes migration issues from Ubuntu Touch systems based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to an Ubuntu Touch release based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Various security updates and bug fixes are also included in this release, so check out the release announcement for more details.

Last updated 11 hours ago

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Ubuntu Touch OTA-5 Released: New Features and Enhancements for Ubuntu Phone Users
 

Ubuntu Unity maintainer Rudra Saraswat informs 9to5Linux today about the availability for public testing of the first ISO images of what looks like a new Ubuntu flavor, Ubuntu Lomiri.

For those not in the know, Lomiri is the continuation of the Unity 8 desktop environment that Canonical, the maker of the Ubuntu distribution, abandoned a few years ago along with their Ubuntu Touch mobile OS. The UBports Foundation took over the development of Ubuntu Touch and turned Unity 8 into Lomiri.

Lomiri is successfully used on Ubuntu Touch and features convergence, which means that it lets you turn your mobile device into a desktop when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But, for some time, the UBports Foundation was working hard to bring Lomiri to the desktop, and Rudra Saraswat took the opportunity to build a live/installable ISO image and create Ubuntu Lomiri.

“Over the past few years, the UBports team have been hard at work, improving desktop compatibility and getting every single one of the Lomiri packages into the Debian repositories, and subsequently, they made their way into the Ubuntu repositories too. Following which, we decided it would be a good idea to build an installable, daily-driveable ISO, for your testing pleasure,” said Rudra Saraswat.

Long story short, with the unveiling of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) today, the Ubuntu Lomiri 24.04 distribution featuring the Lomiri (Unity 8) desktop is now available for download and trial. It is worth bearing in mind that while adapted to function on desktop computers, fundamentally, Lomiri is still a mobile desktop.

The Ubuntu Lomiri provides essentially the same components and features as the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. The sole deviation from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the utilization of Lomiri instead of the GNOME desktop. If you have previously used Ubuntu Touch on a mobile device or tablet, this interface should feel familiar.

Despite appearing complex on mobile platforms, Lomiri simplifies the user experience on the desktop. It includes an application dash accessible via the Super key on the left and an Ayatana indicators-aided notifications center also on the left, which allows you to modify various facets of your desktop.

Since this is a mobile desktop, you can imagine that not all the options in the notifications center will work. Probably only the volume and brightness levels and the calendar are the only features you’ll be using.

According to Rudra Saraswat, Ubuntu Lomiri is quite stable and can be installed on real hardware. However, please try to keep in mind that this is a pre-release version, which means that you may encounter occasional crashes, which will probably depend on your hardware.

I’ve tested it on a virtual machine (to make the screenshots), but also on bare metal. Unfortunately, the distro didn’t work on my Lenovo IdeaPad 3 laptop, but Rudra Saraswat told me that it works pretty well on his HP Stream laptop except for brightness. If you do test it, do report in the comments below if it worked for you.

Test Link

Last updated 3 hours ago

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Exploring Ubuntu Lomiri: Arrival of Ubuntu Touch’s Mobile Desktop on PC – A First Look
 

Volla, the producer of the Volla Phone smartphones, initiated a crowdfunding drive on Kickstarter for their inaugural tablet device, the Volla Tablet. The tablet also supports the Ubuntu Touch mobile OS.

“With options like the hide.me VPN and Ubuntu Touch OS, you’re in control like never before.”

Boasting a 12.3-inch Quad HD screen with 2650×1600 pixel resolution, Volla Tablet employs a potent MediaTek Gaming G99 8-core processor, 12 GB RAM, and 256 GB internal storage. It is equipped with a durable 10,000 mAh battery, 2G/3G/4G cellular network availability, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 13+5 MP primary camera.

Standardly, the Volla Tablet arrives with Volla OS 13, which is Volla’s own operating system deriving from the free Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Nonetheless, customers can purchase the tablet with Ubuntu Touch. This system includes built-in convergence and supports Android apps via the WayDroid container.

Furthermore, users have the option to utilize desktop applications such as Firefox or LibreOffice with the assistance of the Libertine container. Volla suggests that the Volla Tablet equipped with Ubuntu Touch is perfect for Linux enthusiasts and minimalists who seek a streamlined, efficient, and familiar operating system experience.

Ubuntu Touch has already gained popularity among Volla customers, as it functions flawlessly on the Volla Phone 22, Volla Phone X, and Volla Phone X23 smartphones. However, if a larger display is required, it is believed that the Volla Tablet with Ubuntu Touch will be a superb companion for your projects.

“Experience a world premiere with multi-boot functionality, facilitating the installation of additional operating systems without data loss or complex setups. Strictly separate professional and private data with customizable security settings,” the Kickstarter page states.

It should be noted by my US readers that the Volla Tablet can only connect to US mobile networks using a roaming SIM card from outside the country. Volla is aiming to obtain PTCRB certification from North American cellular operators, given sufficient support for the Volla Tablet.

If you’re interested in purchasing a tablet that comes with Ubuntu Touch pre-installed, you can back the Volla Tablet’s initiative via its Kickstarter page. Prices begin at $562 USD for the Volla Tablet, complete with a USB charging cable and a USB power adapter designed for EU sockets. Delivery is estimated for October 2024.

Volla Image credits.

Last updated 2 hours ago

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Kickstarter Launches Volla Tablet, Comes with Support for Ubuntu Touch
 

The UBports Foundation announced a planned change to adopt a fixed-release model for future OTA (Over-the-Air) updates of their Ubuntu Touch mobile operating system.

Approximately a year prior, UBports Foundation issued the first Ubuntu Touch OTA update built on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, following prolonged efforts to transition away from the Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial Xerus) series base.

Whilst this change offered multiple advantages for Ubuntu Touch users, it also brought along a number of issues. For instance, the inability to deliver individual solutions for bugs or security matters without releasing all the modifications that had been applied to their code base. Furthermore, having to halt development with the rollout of a new OTA proved problematic.

To counteract these issues, which were a result of the shift from Ubuntu 16.04 to Ubuntu 20.04, upon which the current Ubuntu Touch builds are based, the UBports Foundation formulated a strategy to adopt a fixed-release model. This would be implemented when they rebase Ubuntu Touch to the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) release.

The UBports Foundation also said that they plan to release a major feature update of Ubuntu Touch every six months and minor releases every two months. They also said that each major feature update will be supported for about a month after the next major feature update is released.

Image credits: UBports Foundation (edited by Marius Nestor)

Last updated 6 hours ago

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Transition to Fixed-Release Model for Ubuntu Touch OTA Updates by UBports