Debian 12, codenamed Bookworm, the latest Debian version, was officially released on June 10, 2023, replacing Debian 11 (Bullseye). The latest update, Debian 12.9, was released on January 11, 2025. This version introduces significant changes detailed in the press release and Release Notes.
Debian 12 will receive full support until June 10, 2026, followed by two years of Long-Term Support (LTS) until June 30, 2028. During the LTS phase, the number of supported architectures may be reduced. You can get information about all Linux Debian versions from the official Debian releases page.
In this article, we will explore the latest updates and features of the Debian 12 Bookworm release. Let’s get started!
What is Debian 12 Bookwork?
Debian 12 Bookworm is the latest release of the Debian GNU/Linux operating system, succeeding Debian 11 Bullseye, which was launched on August 14, 2021. This version brings updated software packages, including newer versions of Systemd and GCC, along with enhanced hardware compatibility, improved support for AMD processors, and a strong emphasis on security and stability.
To manually install Debian 12, visit the official Debian download page and choose either the DVD ISO or the netinst ISO, available for both 64-bit and 32-bit architectures. Alternatively, you can quickly set up a pre-configured Debian server on the Host-World VPS, which is automatically deployed and ready to use within minutes.
What's New in Debian 12 Bookworm?
Debian 12 Bookworm introduces numerous updates and enhancements compared to its predecessor, Debian 11 Bullseye. This release includes over 11,000 new software packages, bringing the total count to more than 64,000.
Additionally, approximately 67% of the packages from Debian 11 have been updated, while around 10% of the older packages have been removed due to various reasons. These removed packages are now considered obsolete and will no longer receive updates.
1. New Debian Kernel Version in Debian 12 'Bookworm'
Debian 12 ships with Linux kernel 6.1, the latest Long Term Support (LTS) release, bringing enhanced security, performance, and hardware support.
Key Features & Improvements:
- Rust language support is integrated into the mainline kernel.
- Optimized filesystems with better performance for BTRFS and EXT4.
- Maple Tree data structure for improved memory management.
- Enhanced security controls for user namespace creation.
- Support for next-gen hardware, including AMD Ryzen, Intel Meteor Lake, and Intel Arc Graphics DG2.
- Expanded hardware compatibility, including Xbox controllers, Apple Silicon audio, and Mediatek MT8186 audio.
To check the installed kernel version and other system information, use:
$ hostnamectl
2. Updated Desktop Environments in Debian 12
Debian 12 introduces updated versions of several desktop environments, enhancing user experience and performance. Available options include:
- XFCE 4.18
- KDE Plasma 5.27
- LXQt 1.20
- Cinnamon 5.6
- MATE 1.26
- LXDE 11
However, GNOME 43 is included instead of the latest GNOME 44, as the newer version was released too late for integration.
3. Non-Free Software in Debian 12 ISO
A major change in Debian 12 is the inclusion of non-free software in the primary DVD ISO. Previously, free and non-free packages were provided separately, requiring users to download an additional ISO for proprietary drivers and firmware. Now, a single ISO file contains both, simplifying installation and ensuring better hardware compatibility.
4. PipeWire as the Default Audio Server for GNOME
Great news for PipeWire users! Debian 12 now ships PipeWire as the default audio server for GNOME, replacing PulseAudio. PipeWire enhances audio and video processing in Linux, offering better performance, improved compatibility, and lower latency.
To check the installed PipeWire version, run:
$ pipewire --version
5. Introduced Package Archive for Non-Free Firmware
Previously, Debian maintained three package archives: main, contrib, and non-free. With Debian 12, a new archive called non-free firmware has been introduced. This archive is specifically dedicated to non-free firmware components, separating them from other proprietary software.
As a result, most firmware packages have been migrated from the non-free archive to this new category, improving organization and clarity.
6. New Software Packages and Updates
Debian 12 brings significant software updates, with over 67% of packages from Debian 11 Bullseye upgraded to newer versions. Some key software updates include:
- Apache 2.4.57
- Nginx 1.22
- PHP 8.2
- Perl 5.36
- MariaDB 10.11
- OpenSSH 9.2p1
- PostgreSQL 15
- LibreOffice 7.4
- Python 3.11.2
- OpenJDK 17
- Samba 4.17
For a complete list of updated software, refer to the official release notes.
7. Expanded Hardware Architecture Support
Debian 12 enhances compatibility with a variety of hardware architectures, including:
- 64-bit (amd64) and 32-bit (i386) PCs
- 64-bit ARM (arm64)
- ARMv7 (armhf) – Hard-float ABI support
- IBM System z (s390x)
- Little-endian MIPS (mipsel)
- 64-bit Little-endian PowerPC (ppc64el)
- 64-bit Little-endian MIPS (mips64el)
8. Improvement in APT Package Manager
Debian 12 includes APT 2.6, the latest version of its package manager. This update improves package management and enhances support for handling non-free firmware, making software installation and updates more efficient.
9. New Default Themes and Wallpaper
Debian 12 introduces a fresh visual design with a new default wallpaper theme called "Emerald." This wallpaper features a rich emerald-green color, inspired by the raw beauty of gemstones—both naturally rough and elegantly polished.
10. Other Advanced Software Improvements
Debian 12 introduces several enhancements for system compatibility, security, and usability, including:
- Read/Write support for Apple File System (APFS)
- Better detection of Windows 11 in dual-boot setups
- Secure Boot support for ARM64 architecture
- Improved detection of multipath storage devices
- Deprecation of experimental DMRAID support
These updates make Debian 12 a more robust and user-friendly release, improving performance and hardware compatibility.
Conclusion
Debian 12 introduces a range of new features and improvements, making it a solid choice for users seeking reliability and efficiency. With an updated LTS kernel, refreshed desktop environments, and the latest software packages, this release prioritizes performance, stability, and user experience. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just getting started, Debian 12 offers a well-rounded and stable operating system.
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