The new beta version of Ubuntu Studio 25.10, codenamed "Questing Quokka", is already among us, offering a glimpse of what we can expect from the final version on October 9, 2025. The proposal of this update is not a complete revolution, but an evolution focused on improving what already works. For those who depend on the system to deliver projects and meet deadlines, stability and refinement are always welcome. Let us see in practice what this means for our daily production.
The first impression when testing "Quokka" comes from your interface. The system now runs on Plasma 6.4, a work environment that seeks to be cleaner and modern, helping us to keep our focus on the timeline, canvas or mixing table. And for those who are migrating from other platforms, the team included a well thought-out novelty: an optional layout that organizes the desktop in a way similar to macOS, with a lower dock and a global menu, which can greatly facilitate the adaptation.
Under the hood, improvements continue, especially in the audio part. The PipeWire system has been upgraded to version 1.4.7, which in practice translates into fewer headaches with settings, lower latency and a more stable sound and video management between applications. In this context of network audio, a new tool has been added: JackTrip. With a friendly graphical interface, it allows you to collaborate remotely on high quality audio projects, opening doors to direct a dubbing session or recording a soundtrack with musicians at a distance.
Of course, a content creation-focused distro lives off your apps, and the main tools of our arsenal have been updated. Video editors will find Kdenlive 25.08.1, more polished for project assembly. For graphic artists and designers, the arrival of GIMP 3.0.4 with its new interface is a milestone, accompanied by Krita 5.2.11, essential for storyboards and conceptual arts. On the sound side, Audacity 3.7.5 follows as the standard for audio editing, while digiKam 8.7.0 helps organize the large volume of media from any production.
Before you venture, it is worth remembering that we are talking about a beta version, ideal for testing and not for critical working machines. The installation image is large, with more than 4GB, so the ideal is to use a flash drive. An important detail: After the first login, the system will ask you to restart to properly configure the audio – a crucial step for those who need low latency. The good news is that if you install beta now, just keep the system up to date so it becomes the final version in October, without formatting.
Ubuntu Studio also offers a good level of control over the installation. The team explains the presence of some apps in Snap format, such as Firefox, for distribution and security agility. However, if you prefer a leaner system, you can choose the "Minimum Installation" and then use the Ubuntu Studio Installer to add only the packages you really use by setting up a custom desktop.
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So, is it worth testing? If you're the type who likes to be at the forefront, you're not afraid to find a bug or another and want to help shape the final version, downloading the beta is a great idea. For daily work and urgent projects, prudence suggests waiting for the stability of the final version. Anyway, it's a positive sign to see Ubuntu Studio maturing consistently, focusing on practical improvements for us, content creators in the Linux universe.
- To download the beta image:
https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntustudio/releases/25.10/beta/ - To read the full release notes:
https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/ubuntu-studio-25-10-release-notes/
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