The openSUSE project released openSUSE Leap 16.0 on October 1, 2025, a major leap that opens a new chapter for this community-driven, fixed-release distribution. Leap 16 ships with a refreshed software stack, and the biggest change happens underneath: it now builds on top of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 16, with source and binary compatibility and a direct migration path to the enterprise product.
Key highlights
- Agama installer: Leap 16 replaces the classic YaST-based installer with Agama, a modern installer that delivers a simpler, more guided setup experience.
- Kernel 6.12: the new kernel base improves performance and adds updated support for virtualization and confidential computing technologies such as Intel TDX.
- SELinux by default: SELinux becomes the default Linux Security Module, while AppArmor remains available as a post-installation option.
- PipeWire as default audio: PipeWire replaces PulseAudio as the default sound system, improving audio and video handling.
- Wayland-only desktops: the installer offers only Wayland variants of the desktop environments (GNOME, KDE Plasma, experimental Xfce), with Xorg sessions available as an optional install.
- Zypper with parallel downloads: the Zypper package manager now downloads packages in parallel, speeding up installations and updates.
Leap 16.0 needs at least the x86-64-v2 microarchitecture (CPUs from 2008 onward) and drops 32-bit binary support. The release is also year 2038 safe. Community support runs for 24 months of maintenance and security updates, and the Leap 16 series is expected to be supported through 2031. The new openSUSE Migration tool lets you move from Leap 15 to Leap 16, or switch to Slowroll, Tumbleweed or SLES.
What is openSUSE Leap?
openSUSE Leap is a fixed-release Linux distribution that blends packages from the enterprise SLES base with up-to-date community software. It targets anyone who wants a stable and predictable system for servers, workstations and professional desktops without giving up modern tooling. It is one of the most solid choices for environments that value reliability over constant novelty.
See the full profile and download links at /en/opensuse.