Linux 6.16 brings faster file systems, improved confidential memory support, and more Rust support! Linux continues to grow bigger and better. Here’s what’s new and notable in the 6.16 release, plus what you need to know about 6.17.
The changes in the latest Linux kernel, Linux 6.16, may be small, but they include some significant ones. Linus Torvalds himself summed up this release as looking fine, small, and calm, but not “really not all that interesting (in all the best ways!).”
Here’s my list of what’s new and improved.
First, the Rust language is continuing to become more well-integrated into the kernel. At the top of my list is that the kernel now boasts Rust bindings for the driver core and PCI device subsystem. This approach will make it easier to add new Rust-based hardware drivers to Linux.
Additionally, new Rust abstractions have been integrated into the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM), particularly for ioctl handling, file/GEM memory management, and driver/device infrastructure for major GPU vendors, such as AMD, Nvidia, and Intel. These changes should reduce vulnerabilities and optimize graphics performance. This will make gamers and AI/ML developers happier.
