In a significant shift for the Linux ecosystem, Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed “Questing Quokka,” is making a bold move by fully embracing Wayland as its default display server protocol, effectively discontinuing support for GNOME on Xorg.

This transition, announced by Canonical, marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing evolution of desktop environments on Linux, reflecting a broader industry trend towards modern graphics protocols. As one of the most widely used Linux distributions, Ubuntu’s decision could reshape user experiences and influence other distributions to follow suit.

The move to Wayland isn’t merely a technical update; it’s a strategic pivot aimed at addressing long-standing challenges with Xorg, a display server that has been the backbone of Linux graphical environments for decades. According to NERDS.xyz, Canonical’s Desktop Team has decided to eliminate the option for GNOME on Xorg starting with this release, signaling confidence in Wayland’s maturity and its ability to meet the demands of modern desktop computing.

A Long-Awaited Transition

Wayland, designed as a lighter and more secure alternative to Xorg, promises smoother graphics, better performance on high-DPI displays, and enhanced security by isolating applications from each other. However, its adoption has been slow due to compatibility issues with certain applications and hardware, particularly NVIDIA GPUs, which have historically lagged in Wayland support. Canonical’s decision to go all-in with Wayland suggests that many of these hurdles have been overcome, especially with recent improvements in driver support and application compatibility.

The Ubuntu Community Hub on Discourse notes that this change will impact users who rely on Xorg for specific workflows or legacy applications. While Wayland has made strides, some tools and software—particularly in specialized fields like graphic design or gaming—may still encounter hiccups. Canonical has assured users that alternative desktop environments, such as KDE Plasma on Kubuntu, will continue to offer Xorg as an option for those who need it, providing a safety net during this transition.

Implications for Developers and Enterprises

For developers, the shift to Wayland necessitates a reevaluation of application compatibility and testing environments. Many will need to ensure their software functions seamlessly under Wayland’s stricter sandboxing and input handling models. Enterprises, particularly those with large Ubuntu deployments, may face challenges in updating training materials and support protocols to accommodate the new default. The potential for reduced support tickets related to Xorg’s quirks, however, could offset these initial pains.

Moreover, this move positions Ubuntu as a leader in pushing forward-thinking technologies, potentially pressuring competitors like Fedora and Debian to accelerate their own Wayland adoption. As reported by NERDS.xyz, the decision reflects Canonical’s broader vision of a unified, modern desktop experience that prioritizes security and performance over backward compatibility.

Looking Ahead

As Ubuntu 25.10 rolls out later this year, the Linux community will be watching closely to see how this gamble pays off. Will Wayland deliver on its promises, or will users encounter unforeseen roadblocks? Canonical’s commitment to Wayland signals a turning point, but it also places the onus on hardware vendors and application developers to keep pace.

For now, the “Questing Quokka” is charting a bold path forward, leaving Xorg behind in favor of a future built on Wayland. Whether this marks the beginning of the end for Xorg across the Linux landscape remains to be seen, but Ubuntu’s influence cannot be understated. As discussions on platforms like the Ubuntu Community Hub indicate, user feedback will be critical in shaping the next steps of this ambitious transition.