AlmaLinux 10.2 and 9.8 arrive together with updated compilers, stronger security, and expanded platform support
The AlmaLinux OS Foundation has released AlmaLinux 9.8 and AlmaLinux 10.2 at the same time, marking an important step forward for the community-driven enterprise Linux distribution. This simultaneous launch is notable because previous releases typically arrived about a week apart. Bringing both versions out together reflects the project’s broader goal of streamlining its release process in 2026 while continuing to deliver a stable, reliable alternative for enterprise Linux users.
AlmaLinux 9.8, codenamed “Olive Jaguar,” is built on the 5.14.0-687.5.3.el9_8 kernel. This update focuses on the core needs of businesses, developers, and system administrators who depend on long-term stability. It includes updated compiler toolsets, refreshed module streams, package improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements designed to keep systems dependable and production-ready.
One of the key highlights in AlmaLinux 9.8 is the inclusion of a kernel backport approved through the AlmaLinux Engineering Steering Committee process ahead of its upstream availability. This shows the distribution’s continued focus on delivering practical improvements while maintaining enterprise-grade compatibility.
AlmaLinux 9.8 installation images are available for multiple architectures, including 64-bit Intel and AMD systems, ARM64, IBM Z, and IBM PowerPC. This broad hardware support helps make the release suitable for everything from traditional servers and workstations to specialized enterprise infrastructure.
AlmaLinux 10.2, codenamed “Lavender Lion,” arrives with the newer 6.12.0-211.7.3.el10_2 kernel. Like AlmaLinux 9.8, it brings updated compiler toolsets and improved security, but it also introduces new language and database packages aimed at modern development environments.
A major addition in AlmaLinux 10.2 is stable i686 userspace package support. This feature is especially useful for organizations that still rely on legacy 32-bit software, continuous integration pipelines, or containerized workloads requiring 32-bit compatibility. By maintaining this support, AlmaLinux gives developers and businesses more flexibility when modernizing infrastructure without abandoning older applications too quickly.
AlmaLinux 10.2 supports the same main hardware platforms as AlmaLinux 9.8, including 64-bit Intel and AMD processors, ARM64, IBM Z, and IBM PowerPC. It also offers a parallel Intel and AMD build designed for older hardware, with matching EPEL coverage. This makes the release more accessible for users who want a current enterprise Linux experience on systems that may not meet the requirements of newer platform defaults.
Both AlmaLinux 9.8 and AlmaLinux 10.2 are also available in a variety of formats beyond standard installation ISOs. Users can choose from cloud images, container images, and live images, making it easier to deploy AlmaLinux across servers, virtual machines, cloud platforms, development environments, and container-based workflows.
With these two releases, AlmaLinux continues to strengthen its position as a dependable enterprise Linux distribution for organizations, developers, and open-source users. AlmaLinux 9.8 offers a stable and refined path for those staying with the 9.x series, while AlmaLinux 10.2 provides a newer foundation with expanded compatibility and updated development tools.
For users looking for a free, community-driven enterprise Linux operating system with long-term reliability, strong hardware support, updated security features, and flexible deployment options, AlmaLinux 9.8 and AlmaLinux 10.2 are now available and ready for production use.
