Linux kernel 7.3 released

The Linux kernel 7.3 has been recently released as a stable version, bringing numerous changes and improvements to the operating system.

Linux kernel 7.4 development begins

The merge window for the Linux kernel 7.4 will open next, with more exciting changes expected for this development cycle. Developers will begin integrating new features and bug fixes into the upcoming version.

AMDGPU driver updates

On the AMDGPU graphics driver side, it finally supports HDMI 2.1 by default, with support for VRR and ALLM also ensured. These fixes were open-sourced later in the year, and with Linux 7.4, the HDMI 2.1 experience on AMDGPU should be very satisfactory with modern Radeon graphics cards.

AMD iGPU performance improvements

On the AMD iGPU side, there is an improvement thanks to the AMD PerfOpt IOMMU feature. The default activation of this feature can lead to performance improvements in AI and language models (LLMs) for AMD iGPU, including on previous generation hardware.

AMD Zen 6 support enhancements

Linux 7.4 will bring new additions and improvements regarding support for AMD Zen 6, such as the new BTB CTX isolation feature, AMD RMPOPT optimization, and improvements to the AMD P-State driver for Ryzen Zen 6 processors.

NPU support for Ryzen AI Max 400

It will also add support for the NPU of the Ryzen AI Max 400 (Gorgon Halo) series, whose device identifier had previously been missing from the AMDXDNA accelerator driver.

Intel graphics and driver updates

On the Intel side, preparations for Rugged Panther Lake are underway, as well as the merge of the Intel BFF driver. Intel also brings a notable improvement on the graphics side for Battlemage, concerning CPU links and ULLS in the migration queue.

Intel graphics driver features

The Intel graphics driver also introduces vRAM integrity control and degraded memory management. Much work continues on the NVIDIA Nova driver.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 support

Upstream support for Linux 7.4 for some laptops equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 is also in progress, with Qualcomm's work in this area continuing to bear fruit.

Apple Silicon support

On the Apple side, Linux 7.4 should add the first Device Trees for Apple M4 and A18 Pro intended for the MacBook Neo. However, as with the current upstream support for Apple M3 in the Linux kernel, this is not yet usable by end users.

Apple Silicon audio support

Apple Silicon audio support for Linux 7.4 is also in progress for integration into the main kernel. Linux 7.4 should also integrate support for the Google Tensor G5 SoC and Pixel 10 devices.

Additional hardware improvements

Linux 7.3 also brings other hardware improvements, including for some laptops and handheld gaming consoles. Support for the Raspberry Pi 10-inch Touch Display 2 is also ensured.

EXT4 and FUSE performance

On the file system side, EXT4 introduces an I/O path buffered via IOmap, allowing for performance gains. "Large folios" for FUSE constitute another element improving file system performance in user space.

Virtualization and security features

Linux 7.4 should also introduce the "Intel Instruction Timeout (Notify VM Exit)" to counter potential denial of service attack vectors within TDX virtual machines. In the field of virtualization, Microsoft has contributed to a para-virtualized IOMMU Hyper-V driver for the Linux kernel.

New virtualization feature

Another new virtualization feature for Linux 7.4 is the "steal governor." On the network side, the new Nebula Matrix driver is in progress for upstream integration.

Fuzzing and AI-related changes

In the era of fuzzing bots, a new kernel "taint" is also introduced. Not to mention a multitude of other fixes related to AI and large language models (LLMs).

Code removal and performance optimizations

In terms of code removal, the Google C Binder driver will disappear in favor of the Rust-based Binder driver. There are also MM performance optimizations, much faster opening of individual files, an improvement to the Zstd code integrated into the kernel, an optimized xor_gen for AVX-512, fixes beginning to be integrated to significantly accelerate the kernel compilation time, as well as other changes.

AI tool reporting controversy

This announcement comes as Linus Torvalds recently opposed a developer who wants contributors to continue reporting when they use AI tools on the Linux kernel mailing list. The rule in question concerns the "Assisted-by" tag. Since January, the kernel documentation requested that anyone using "any type of advanced coding tool" add this tag to their commit message, but the maintainers now want to remove it.