KDE Confirms End of X11 Support in Plasma 6.8, Users Brace

URGENT UPDATE: The KDE team has officially announced that support for X11 will be discontinued in the upcoming release of KDE Plasma 6.8. This significant shift has sparked immediate reactions from the Linux community, particularly among X11 users who depend on this long-standing display server.

According to a recent post on the KDE blog, the transition away from X11 is slated for early 2027, following a series of updates leading up to version 6.8. Current users of KDE Plasma, which is at version 6.5, are being urged to prepare for this change as the team phases out support for X11 applications.

In a clear message aimed at alleviating user concerns, KDE emphasized that most Plasma users have already transitioned to Wayland, the modern alternative. As a result, the impact of this shift is expected to be minimal for the majority of users. However, for those who rely heavily on X11, KDE has provided several pathways to navigate this transition.

Developers have pointed users toward LTS distros like AlmaLinux 9, which will maintain X11 support until 2032. Additionally, the Xwayland compatibility layer will remain available, offering a bridge for most X11 applications. KDE asserts that Xwayland is effective at ensuring compatibility for users who may not be ready to adopt Wayland fully.

The announcement has generated a wave of discussion within the Linux community, particularly among those who have long championed X11. While KDE’s decision reflects a broader trend towards modernizing Linux environments, it also raises questions about the future for users dependent on legacy systems.

As the community braces for these changes, KDE has reassured users that the transition will be gradual, allowing ample time for adjustments. With over a year before X11 support officially ends, users are encouraged to explore their options and begin adapting to the upcoming changes.

The urgency of this announcement cannot be overstated. As KDE moves forward with its plans, users must remain informed and proactive to ensure a smooth transition. For now, those invested in X11 should keep a close eye on further developments from KDE as they outline the specifics of the upcoming releases.

Stay tuned for additional updates as this story develops.