Linux Kernel 6.13 RC1 and RC2: New Features and Key Highlights

The Linux kernel is gearing up for its next major update with version 6.13. Kicking off the testing phase, Linus Torvalds announced the first release candidate (RC1) on December 1, 2024, followed by the second release candidate (RC2) on December 8, 2024. With exciting new features, bug fixes, and hardware enhancements, Linux 6.13 promises to deliver improved performance and broader compatibility.

Here’s what you need to know about the Linux kernel 6.13-rc1 and 6.13-rc2 releases.

Key Highlights of Linux Kernel 6.13 RC1

1. Advanced Architecture Enhancements

• Protected Virtual Machine Support on Arm CCA: Linux can now operate within a “realm” under Arm’s Confidential Compute Architecture, enhancing virtualization security.
• Guarded Control Stack (GCS): Added support for improved stack integrity in user-space, strengthening security.
• 6-Node Sub-NUMA Clustering for Intel: Better performance scaling for Intel systems through enhanced memory locality management.
• Real-Time Support for LoongArch: With Linux 6.13, real-time computing capabilities come to the LoongArch architecture, a major step for high-performance systems.

2. File System Upgrades

• F2FS: Introduces device aliasing to reclaim partition space and manage files dynamically.
• FUSE: Gains page-to-folio conversion and configurable maximum FUSE request sizes via sysctl, enhancing its flexibility.
• EXT4: Receives critical bug fixes and cleanups to bolster stability.
• Btrfs: Performance optimizations reduce lock contention in extent buffers and trees, significantly improving I/O operations.
• exFAT: Enhancements reduce FAT chain traversal, offering a smoother file management experience.

3. Processor and Performance Updates

• AMD-pstate cpufreq Driver: Becomes the default for select AMD Epyc processors, optimizing power efficiency and performance.
• Intel ArrowLake-H PMU Support: Ensures compatibility and improved performance monitoring for upcoming CPUs.
• Lazy Preemption Model: Introduced for x86, RISC-V, and LoongArch, this model delays preemption requests to tick boundaries, boosting efficiency.

4. Networking and Subsystem Improvements

• Per-Netns RTNL Support: A networking enhancement (currently disabled by default) for better resource allocation.
• MIPI DisCo 2.0 Specification: Integrated into the SoundWire subsystem for richer audio device interoperability.

5. Expanded Hardware Support

The Linux kernel 6.13 expands its hardware compatibility with support for:

• Tablets: Vexia EDU ATLA 10, Surface Pro 9 5G.
• Graphics: Adreno A663.
• Audio Chips: RealTek RT721, AMD ACP 6.3.
• Networking Devices: NVIDIA Mellanox MLX5.
• Miscellaneous Hardware: Allwinner H616, Qualcomm SM8750, NT36672A touchscreen, and more.

Key Highlights of Linux Kernel 6.13 RC2

1. Driver Updates

Unlike RC1, which introduced many new features, RC2 focuses on refining and fixing. Over 80% of the changes target driver improvements, with many small fixes coming from automated cleanups to ensure a smoother kernel experience.

• Intel Lunar Lake Enhancements: Improved support for Intel Core Ultra 200V “Lunar Lake” laptops addresses responsiveness issues and ensures seamless performance.
• GPU Fixes: Updates for AMDGPU improve resume handling, workload settings, and display reliability for a smoother graphical experience.
• Networking Upgrades: Mellanox mlx5 drivers, VLAN pruning, and PHY timestamp extraction updates bolster network efficiency.
• Watchdog Improvements: Expanded support for ExynosAutoV920, Airoha EN7851, and Mediatek systems enhances system stability and responsiveness.

2. Architectural Improvements

ARM64 gains refinements for memory tagging extensions (MTE) and ASID masking in Linux 6.13. LoongArch sees better IRQ and page table handling, while x86 gets fixes for PKRU value restoration and support for Lunar Lake CPUs.

3. Networking, Filesystems, and More

Networking and BPF functionality have been fine-tuned, with fixes for TCP memory leaks and NVMe over RDMA, improved ethtool capabilities, and better BPF performance. Filesystems like Btrfs and XFS receive updates to resolve transaction deadlocks, inode issues, and quota inconsistencies. Memory management has also been improved, addressing mmap handling and NUMA-related errors.

Conclusion

The release candidate phase provides an opportunity for developers and users to thoroughly test the kernel and identify any potential issues before the final release. By participating in this testing process, users contribute to the stability and quality of the upcoming kernel version. The final release of Linux kernel 6.13 is anticipated in late January 2025. However, the exact release date may vary depending on the number of release candidates and the overall testing process.

As we eagerly await the final release, be sure to explore the new features and improvements introduced in previous Linux kernel 6.12 by checking out our recent blog. You can download RC2 from Linus Torvalds’ git tree or the kernel.org website.

Tired of manual security updates and system reboots? TuxCare’s KernelCare Enterprise offers live patching for Linux distributions, enabling you to apply critical kernel patches automatically – without the need for system reboots. KernelCare offers live patching for LTS kernel versions, making it an ideal solution for enterprise environments looking to maintain security and compliance with minimal downtime.

The sources for this article include a story from 9to5Linux.

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Linux Kernel 6.13 RC1 and RC2: New Features and Key Highlights

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Explore the latest updates in Linux kernel 6.13 RC1 and RC2, including new features, bug fixes, hardware support, and release timeline.

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Rohan Timalsina

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TuxCare

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