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elementary OS

elementary OS is a free and open-source distribution based on (LTS) releases, featuring the custom that emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and user privacy as a thoughtful alternative to proprietary operating systems like Windows and macOS. It was first released in 2011 and has evolved into a mature ecosystem with its own suite of applications, an integrated , and a focus on ethical design principles, including consent-based features for hardware access such as microphone and camera indicators. As of November 2025, the latest stable version is elementary OS 8.0.2, built on Ubuntu's 6.8 kernel with for audio, and it introduces enhancements like support for secure sessions, improved accessibility, and integration with Flathub for expanded software availability. Developed by a global community of volunteers led by founder , elementary OS originated in 2009 as an icon set for before expanding into a full distribution with the inaugural 0.1 "" release in March 2011, which used 2 and early custom elements like the Plank dock. Key milestones include the 2012 debut of the Pantheon desktop in version 0.2 "Luna," which replaced components with original tools such as the window manager and a redesigned ; the introduction of the pay-what-you-want AppCenter in 0.4 "" (2016) to support developers; and the shift to semantic versioning with 5.0 "Juno" in 2018, which solidified its app ecosystem and multitasking features. The project maintains over 130 repositories, supports translations in more than 20 languages, and uses a Debian-based build system for automated daily images, while promoting inclusivity through community feedback, such as from blind users for improvements. What sets elementary OS apart is its design philosophy, inspired by macOS but built entirely on open-source foundations, prioritizing a clutter-free interface with consistent visual themes, keyboard shortcuts, and privacy controls like portal-based permissions for screenshots and file access. The AppCenter serves as a centralized, curated store for both free and paid apps, now enhanced with Flathub integration in version 8 for thousands of additional packages, while handle updates seamlessly to minimize user interruption. Available for download at no fixed cost via a pay-what-you-want model, it is also pre-installed on select hardware through partnerships, making it accessible for newcomers to while offering customization for advanced users.

Overview

Description and goals

elementary OS is a Ubuntu-based designed with a focus on , beauty, and ease of use, particularly for non-technical users seeking an accessible experience. It aims to deliver an intuitive interface reminiscent of macOS while running on open-source foundations, prioritizing , , and to appeal to individuals transitioning from proprietary operating systems like Windows or macOS. The distribution's core philosophy emphasizes ethical , positioning itself as a thoughtful alternative that respects user consent and data protection without unnecessary bloat. Key features of elementary OS include gesture-based multitasking through tools like Multitasking View, a built-in AppCenter for discovering and installing privacy-respecting applications, and a flat design aesthetic that promotes a clean, human-centered interface. These elements, powered by the desktop environment, enable seamless window management, functionality, and features like Do Not Disturb mode to enhance productivity and focus. Recent versions have evolved to offer greater customization options, such as adjustable keyboard shortcuts and granular app permissions, while maintaining its streamlined approach. The primary target audience for elementary OS comprises everyday users, beginners new to Linux, and those desiring a polished, ethical OS that serves as a viable replacement for commercial systems. As of November 2025, the latest stable release is version 8.0.2 "Circe," built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, providing long-term support and compatibility with modern hardware.

Technical basis

elementary OS is built upon Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS) releases, leveraging their stability and extended support cycle while incorporating modifications to core system components for enhanced performance and integration with the Pantheon desktop environment. This foundation ensures access to Ubuntu's robust ecosystem, including security updates and hardware compatibility, with the latest version, elementary OS 8.0.2, based on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS. At its core, elementary OS utilizes the , with version 6.14 included in elementary OS 8.0.2 to provide improved hardware support and performance optimizations. The operating system primarily supports the x86_64 architecture, targeting and processors, and requires a minimum of a 64-bit dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM, and 32 GB storage for optimal operation. For storage, it defaults to the file system, which offers reliable journaling and efficient handling of large files, while employing the for system initialization. Installation supports environments, allowing users to test the system before committing to a full setup. Package management in elementary OS relies on the Debian/Ubuntu APT system for handling traditional .deb packages, supplemented by Flatpak integration through the AppCenter since version 6.0, which enables sandboxed application distribution and cross-platform compatibility. Security is bolstered by a built-in firewall (based on UFW), automatic system and application updates, and Flatpak's portal-based sandboxing to isolate apps and limit access to system resources. The system depends on adapted GNOME technologies for foundational services, with the desktop environment built atop libraries like GTK4 in recent releases to support modern graphical rendering and theming. This architecture maintains compatibility with Ubuntu's upstream while customizing components for efficiency and security.

Design and user experience

Design philosophy

The design philosophy of elementary OS centers on three core tenets: simplicity, beauty, and accessibility, which guide the creation of intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Simplicity emphasizes concise, modular applications that avoid feature bloat and overlapping functionalities, ensuring users can immediately understand an app's primary purpose without unnecessary complexity. This approach reduces by prioritizing small, focused tools that communicate effectively and integrate via system-wide mechanisms like Launcher Actions and Portals. Beauty manifests in a flat, consistent aesthetic that promotes visual harmony, drawing inspiration from established design paradigms to create elegant, non-distracting experiences. Accessibility is achieved through sane defaults and an emphasis on out-of-the-box , where configurations are minimized and presented contextually to avoid deep menus or mandatory setups that could frustrate users. Human-centered design further underscores these principles by focusing on reducing user effort and enhancing interaction fluidity. For instance, elementary OS incorporates gesture-based controls, such as three-finger swipes for switching workspaces and entering Multitasking View, to streamline and multitasking without relying on complex shortcuts or menus. In 8.0, these elements evolved with the introduction of optional multitasking features and a new Gesture Controller for support, promoting inclusive interactions for diverse user needs, including those with varying hardware capabilities. The desktop environment embodies this philosophy by integrating these principles into a cohesive whole, where default applications align seamlessly to support effortless workflows. Privacy and ethical considerations are integral, with no or enabled by default to respect user autonomy and . This stance prioritizes open-source , ensuring users maintain control over their information without hidden tracking, and leverages system-level data only when explicitly permitted to enhance functionality without invasive queries. Influences include Apple's for polished, user-focused aesthetics and elements of Google's adapted for environments, fostering a refined yet accessible that balances form and function. The has consistently emphasized and since its early versions, with gradual increases in options alongside greater focus on inclusivity in 8.0, incorporating enhanced tools and broader hardware support to make the system more adaptable and ethical in its openness.

Pantheon desktop environment

Pantheon is the custom desktop environment developed specifically for elementary OS, built upon GNOME technologies including GTK, GDK, Cairo, GLib, GObject, GIO, GVfs, Vala, and Tracker, while extending functionality through the Granite library for shared UI widgets and convenience functions. Written primarily in Vala, Pantheon emphasizes a minimalist, elegant interface that prioritizes simplicity and productivity, distinguishing it from standard GNOME by forking and customizing core elements to align with elementary's design principles of minimalism. Key components form the core of 's and interaction layer. The Wingpanel serves as the top , providing system indicators, clock, and notifications in a compact, auto-hiding that becomes opaque over maximized windows for better readability. Plank acts as the dock, offering quick access to favorite applications with drag-and-drop organization and dynamic icon positioning. functions as the application launcher, featuring a grid-based view with integrated search for efficient app discovery. handles window management and , based on libmutter (GNOME's Mutter ), enabling smooth animations, dynamic workspaces, and effects like transparency without relying on older Compiz integrations. Pantheon includes several user-focused features to enhance workflow and usability. The multitasking view allows overview of open windows and workspaces, accessible via a three-finger swipe up on supported touchpads, with OS 8.0 introducing horizontal swiping for workspace switching and upward swipes to close apps directly from the view. Built-in theming support enables customization of accents and layouts through , while night light adjusts screen color temperature for reduced eye strain. Screenshot tools integrate seamlessly via keyboard shortcuts, offering annotated captures and selective region selection. Accessibility features in promote inclusive use, with high-contrast themes available in to improve visibility for low-vision users, and scalable interfaces that adapt to larger text sizes or zoom levels via built-in options. integration leverages GNOME's for voice output of elements, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies, while recent updates in OS 8 enhance gesture controls for touch interactions. Technically, Pantheon has evolved to modernize its foundation, transitioning to GTK4 and incorporating Libhandy for adaptive, mobile-like responsiveness starting in elementary OS 7.0 (Horus), which improved performance in widgets and window handling. This shift enabled better support for high-DPI displays and fractional scaling, with further refinements in OS 8.0 including default Wayland session for enhanced security and smoothness.

Software and applications

Default applications

elementary OS ships with approximately 10 core applications, all open-source and designed to integrate seamlessly with the desktop environment for a consistent, minimalist . These apps prioritize simplicity and functionality, avoiding unnecessary features to focus on essential tasks like file management, communication, and media handling. They adhere to the system's design principles, featuring clean interfaces with subtle animations and accessibility options. The , known as Files, serves as the central tool for navigating and organizing and remote storage. It includes a smart pathbar for quick location access, browser-style tabs with history , column view for hierarchical browsing, and robust search capabilities to locate files by name or content. Users can connect to servers via protocols like and , making it suitable for both personal and networked workflows. For productivity, provides a lightweight supporting multiple accounts from providers like and . It organizes messages into conversation views, offers fast full-text search across inboxes, and delivers discreet notifications without overwhelming the user. complements this by syncing events from online services such as or , allowing users to view, create, and manage schedules in a straightforward . offers basic arithmetic operations with a simple, intuitive for quick computations. Media handling is covered by dedicated apps emphasizing local playback and organization. enables users to browse libraries by album or artist, search tracks, and build playlists with a minimal UI that keeps controls out of the way during playback. imports images from devices, supports basic editing like cropping and filters, and facilitates slideshows or sharing via integrated services. Videos manages a video library with thumbnail previews, subtitle support, and playlist creation, featuring smart fullscreen mode that hides distractions. Development and browsing tools round out the suite. Code, a text editor tailored for coding, includes autosaving, project folder management, and Git integration for version control directly within the app, such as cloning repositories and viewing status. , based on the Epiphany engine, is a privacy-focused that blocks common trackers by default and supports modern web standards without resource-heavy extensions. In version 8.0, it benefits from the system's Secure Session, which enforces app consent for data access to enhance overall privacy. Additional utilities like offer tabbed sessions with customizable themes and paste protection, while Camera provides simple webcam capture for photos and videos. These default applications form a self-contained , with users able to expand via the AppCenter for specialized needs.

AppCenter and package management

The AppCenter serves as the primary software distribution platform in elementary OS, introduced during the (0.4) release cycle in 2017 as a curated store for applications purpose-built for the system. It integrates for user applications, allowing seamless installation of curated apps alongside access to broader repositories, while relying on the underlying APT system for core package management inherited from its base. This hybrid approach enables users to expand beyond the default applications—such as the pre-installed Files and —without bloating the main repositories with third-party software. Key features of AppCenter include intuitive search functionality to discover apps by name or category, user ratings and reviews to assess quality, and automatic update notifications that can be configured for seamless background installation. Since elementary OS 8.0, AppCenter has incorporated Flathub integration, providing access to thousands of additional applications beyond the elementary-curated selection, enhancing availability while maintaining a focus on native, privacy-respecting experiences. Developers can publish apps through the AppCenter Dashboard, which builds Flatpaks in a clean environment and supports monetization via a pay-what-you-want model, where users may contribute donations or pay suggested amounts for premium apps. Package management in elementary OS combines APT for handling system-level dependencies and updates—ensuring stability through / repositories—with for isolated application delivery, reducing conflicts and repository maintenance overhead. This model evolved to prioritize for AppCenter since OS 6 in , allowing apps to run portably across distributions without deep system integration. The of elementary OS itself follows a pay-what-you-want , offering free ISO downloads with optional user contributions to support development, mirroring the AppCenter's approach to sustainable open-source funding. Security is a core emphasis, with Flatpaks inherently sandboxed to limit app access to system resources, and all elementary-curated AppCenter apps undergoing review by the elementary team to verify developers and ensure compliance with tight sandboxing guidelines, thereby mitigating risks. Flathub apps follow Flathub's verification processes. Users can further revoke permissions via for added control.

Development history

Founding and early releases

elementary OS originated in 2009 when Danielle Foré, a designer frustrated with the aesthetics of existing distributions, began developing custom themes and icon sets for to create a more refined and intuitive reminiscent of macOS. Cassidy James Blaede joined the project around 2011, founding elementary, LLC. Initially focused on icon sets and themes, the project quickly evolved beyond superficial customizations, with the first installable ISO released on March 31, 2011, as version 0.1 "". Based on 10.10 and utilizing 2, Jupiter featured basic modifications including the Docky dock, early elementary icons, and a forked , all built manually by altering Ubuntu disk images. This release marked the transition from themes to a cohesive operating system, driven by a small volunteer team aiming to prove the feasibility of an elegant desktop. The project's momentum grew with version 0.2 "", released on August 10, 2013, which introduced the desktop environment as a custom alternative to . Luna, still based on but now incorporating GTK3 for applications, included a tailored top panel, the window manager, the Plank dock replacing Docky, and a dedicated app, significantly improving stability and visual coherence. These changes addressed early feedback on , setting the stage for Pantheon's role as the core of elementary OS's design philosophy, which prioritized simplicity and human-centered aesthetics from its thematic roots. Subsequent releases refined these foundations. Version 0.3 "Freya", launched on April 11, 2015, and based on 14.04 LTS, enhanced multi-monitor support, introduced a Do Not Disturb mode for notifications, added sudo paste protection in , and featured a redesigned multitasking overview for better app switching. Then, version 0.4 "Loki", released on September 9, 2016, shifted to 16.04 LTS with 4.4 for broader hardware compatibility, including 6th-generation processors, and debuted a of the AppCenter—a centralized store for discovering and installing applications—elevating elementary OS toward a more complete platform ecosystem. Throughout its early years, elementary OS remained a community-driven effort sustained by volunteers, confronting challenges such as the labor-intensive manual process for building ISOs and the technical hurdles of reverse-engineering updates to maintain custom components. This volunteer ethos underscored the project's mission to demonstrate that a privacy-respecting, open-source to operating systems could deliver a seamless, beautiful without compromising on functionality.

Major version series

The major version series of elementary OS began with version 5.0 in , marking a shift toward more polished and feature-complete stable releases built on long-term support versions of . Each series builds upon the previous one, incorporating user feedback, upstream improvements from and , and a growing emphasis on , , and customization while maintaining the desktop environment's core design principles. The 5.x series, starting with elementary OS Juno released on October 16, , and based on 18.04 LTS, introduced the Suru icon theme for a more consistent and modern visual identity across applications and system elements. It also featured improved notifications with better integration and reduced clutter, alongside enhanced for longer battery life on laptops through optimized suspend and resume behaviors. The follow-up, 5.1 Hera released on December 3, 2019, focused on stability with numerous bug fixes, minor UI tweaks such as refined options in , and extended support through ongoing security patches. elementary OS 6.0 , released on August 10, 2021, and based on 20.04 LTS, advanced user customization with support for dynamic themes that adapt to light and dark modes, along with fractional scaling for high-DPI displays to ensure crisp rendering at non-integer scales. The AppCenter received a redesign for faster searches, improved discoverability, and better integration with packages. Version 6.1 , released on December 20, 2021, emphasized reliability through security updates to core components and preparatory work for transitioning to GTK4, including compatibility testing for future app ports. The 7.x series debuted with elementary OS 7.0 on January 31, 2023, built on 22.04 LTS, integrating Libadwaita for a more adaptive and modern that aligns with contemporary developments. It included enhanced gestures for smoother navigation between workspaces and applications, plus a new privacy dashboard in to manage app permissions and data sharing more transparently. Version 7.1, released on October 3, 2023, introduced privacy features such as indicators for when apps access location or send notifications, along with AppCenter improvements for better app discovery and updates. elementary OS 8.0 , released on November 26, 2024 and based on 24.04 LTS, overhauled multitasking with a redesigned featuring advanced window grouping, improvements, and easier workspace switching for productivity. AppCenter now defaults to Flathub as the primary repository for broader app availability and sandboxed security, while features like expanded color contrast options and enhancements broaden . Point releases 8.0.1 on March 18, 2025, and 8.0.2 on September 22, 2025, delivered kernel updates—Linux 6.11 in 8.0.1 and 6.14 in 8.0.2—for better hardware compatibility, including improved / graphics performance and power efficiency, alongside minor stability fixes. Across these series, elementary OS has trended toward greater upstream convergence with and for sustainability, while prioritizing user customization through themes, scaling, and privacy controls to empower diverse workflows.

Organizational changes

elementary, LLC, the company behind elementary OS, was founded in 2011 by Cassidy James Blaede. Around 2015, following a after Blaede hired Foré full-time to lead efforts, Foré and Blaede became co-owners of Elementary, Inc. In March 2022, amid financial strains from a business downturn and disagreements between the co-founders during the , Blaede sold his shares to Foré, granting her sole ownership of Elementary, Inc. Blaede then joined the Endless OS team as a product lead. The ownership transition contributed to delays in project timelines, including a pivot from minor updates to elementary OS 6.1 toward the more ambitious version 7.0, which encountered multiple postponements before its release in early 2023. These changes also reinforced a focus on long-term through voluntary user donations, enabling the small team to maintain operations without aggressive monetization tactics. Post-2022, under Foré's leadership, elementary OS has emphasized principles—such as improved features in version 8—and pursued partnerships with vendors for pre-installed distributions, with no additional major leadership shifts reported as of 2025. The has shifted toward optional contributions rather than prominent paywalls for downloads and updates, broadening while supporting ongoing development.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

elementary OS has received widespread praise from technology reviewers for its elegant design, which draws inspiration from macOS while maintaining a unique, minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes visual coherence and user intuition. Reviewers often highlight its suitability for beginners transitioning from proprietary operating systems, noting the intuitive interface that minimizes the learning curve associated with . Additionally, the distribution's strong emphasis on , including features like Secure Session that require explicit user consent for app permissions and avoid , has been commended as a key differentiator in an era of increasing data concerns. Critics have pointed to occasional bloat and limitations in the AppCenter, elementary OS's store, which sometimes charges for applications available for free elsewhere and offers a limited selection compared to broader repositories like those in . The distribution's slower release cycle, which does not adhere to frequent updates like those in rolling-release distros such as or semi-annual ones like , has been described as outdated and restrictive, potentially leaving users with older software versions for extended periods. Early versions also faced hardware compatibility challenges, particularly on older or specialized hardware like graphics cards, leading to performance issues and driver incompatibilities that required manual intervention. Version-specific feedback underscores the distribution's evolution. The 2018 Juno release (5.0) was lauded for its polish, introducing refined multitasking features and a more stable foundation that enhanced overall usability and visual appeal. In contrast, the 2024 Circe release (8.0) was noted for advancing inclusivity through improved options and diverse community input in design. elementary OS has earned recognition through consistent high rankings on DistroWatch's page hit charts, frequently placing in the top 10 most popular distributions based on global interest metrics. Coverage from outlets like OMG! Ubuntu has positively highlighted the stability improvements in the 8.0.2 update, praising its refined integration and bug fixes that bolster reliability on modern hardware. Across review sites, It's FOSS has emphasized its beginner-friendly polish and FOSS Force described recent releases as a "solid base hit" for everyday use, though noting room for broader software ecosystem integration.

Community and future directions

The elementary OS community is active across multiple platforms, including the official GitHub repository at github.com/elementary/os, where users contribute through code, documentation, translations, and custom themes. The subreddit r/elementaryos serves as a primary for , discussions, and user , with ongoing threads about and . Community involvement extends to global volunteers who participate in open-source efforts, fostering an inclusive environment aligned with the project's emphasis on and ethical . Support for users is provided through official channels such as the elementary OS at blog.elementary.io, which delivers regular updates on releases and features, and the wiki for detailed documentation and FAQs. Additional resources include Discussions for community Q&A, replacing older forums, and a channel for real-time chat, evolving from legacy IRC setups. The project also maintains paid partnerships with hardware vendors like Slimbook, offering laptops pre-installed with elementary OS to simplify adoption for new users. In 2022, the project faced challenges when co-founder Cassidy James Blaede departed amid financial strains and disagreements with CEO Danielle Foré, leading to temporary concerns about trust and sustainability within the . Recovery efforts included transparent communication via blog updates and continued development milestones, restoring momentum through consistent releases like OS 8.0.2 in September 2025. Looking ahead, elementary OS 8.1 is anticipated in late 2025, building on OS 8 with enhancements to multitasking, hardware support, and accessibility features. Long-term goals include increased upstream contributions to the desktop environment, such as improvements to and related libraries, to benefit the broader open-source ecosystem. While specific plans for version 9.0 remain unannounced, the project's alignment with LTS cycles suggests a potential base on Ubuntu 26.04, expected in April 2026. Sustainability relies heavily on user donations through a pay-what-you-want model for downloads and AppCenter apps, enabling the transition from volunteer-driven to a small professional team. The ecosystem is expanding via integration, allowing seamless installation of third-party applications through tools like Sideload and access to repositories such as Flathub, which broadens app availability while maintaining sandboxed security.

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