Ubuntu Touch Reborn: UBports Rolls Out 24.04-1.0

Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 is here, bringing the community-driven mobile OS up to the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS base and delivering a smoother, more modern experience across a wide range of devices. Maintained by the UBports foundation since Canonical stepped away in 2017, the project continues to evolve with a focus on long-term stability, fresh design touches, and practical everyday features.

What’s new in Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0
– Fresh community-designed logos, the first branding refresh in eight years
– Light shell mode, toggled via System Settings > Background & Appearance
– Experimental on-device personal data encryption
– A redesigned Phone app optimized for larger screens
– New USB mode options, including internet sharing (tethering)
– Many under-the-hood fixes, polish, and compatibility improvements tied to the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS core

How to update
– Existing users must first move to Ubuntu Touch 20.04 OTA-10
– After that update is applied, the 24.04-1.0 release will become available for installation

Supported devices
Ubuntu Touch 24.04-1.0 supports more than two dozen devices. Notable examples include:
– Fairphone 3, Fairphone 4, Fairphone 5
– Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1
– Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL
– Sony Xperia X
– Xiaomi Redmi 9 and 9 Prime; Redmi Note 9 and Note 9 Pro
– OnePlus 6 and 6T
– Rabbit R1

Why this release matters
By rebasing on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, UBports delivers a modern foundation with long-term support, better security, and broader compatibility for device ports. The new light shell mode, updated Phone app, and USB sharing make day-to-day use more pleasant, while the early encryption option signals ongoing attention to privacy. It’s a meaningful step for anyone interested in an open-source, Linux-based smartphone experience that puts community first.

If you’re already on Ubuntu Touch, check your System Settings once you’ve installed 20.04 OTA-10. Newcomers can consult device compatibility lists maintained by the community to see if their handset is supported and what features to expect.