When will Zorin OS 18 be released

Chat about Zorin
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Yes and as a person that has done packaging... I have upped countless versions from having corrected a typo in the readme file, adjusted a couple of pixels in an icon... Then lost connection to lintian and had to resubmit the package - which necessitated creating a new changelog and a new version number that is higher than the previous by Debian Rules and Regulations... Causing my submitted package to jump from version 1.7.6 to 1.9.1 - then a spike in downloads.
I bet 90% of them never opened the corrected readme file to see the pristine typo free end product.

That Being Said...

I must defend @dipto and @ciscorucinski as they specified Gnome Extensions and in this regard, this is valid. Some new extensions that only work on a higher gnome version and cannot work on Zorin OS 17 are off limits to those users.

Personally, I see this also as a valid point against the Extensions Ecosphere, rather than including these features as modular packaging in the desktop environment but...
If relying on Gnome Extensions to fill in and give missing features to the Vanilla Gnome Desktop - I can see the restrictions caused by the quickly changing Gnome D.E. and Extensions trying to keep up with shifting sands sliding out from beneath their feet being Very Frustrating for the End User.

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XFCE rocks.

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I do like an extension system. It allows to keep things modular and create your own version of the product based on what you install and how you configure it. Browser extensions are a good example of that.

What I don't like about how Gnome does this, is the little regard to backwards compatibility. Extensions break too often on each new release, and because they have a fast pace of development, which I generally regard as a good thing, independent developers tend to focus on maintaining their extensions for the latest releases only. It's hard to blame them for it, though, it's just an unfortunate side effect.

But a lot of extensions, like Debian packages as well, can be "tricked" into working again by simply changing the manifest file. It's a hacky method and it doesn't always work, but it's exactly as you say: developers trying to pin their software to the latest dependencies even when there's no justification for it.

If @ciscorucinski and @dipto are willing to share the extensions and/or functionality they miss, perhaps we can try to provide an alternative. Although without guarantees :smiley: Otherwise, if the justification is there, I think other distributions like the ones that I've mentioned above are better suited for their use case. Endeavour OS in particular has a great friendly community forum; OpenSUSE as well.

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Looking at ZOS18 repo, it seems that beta release will be any day now, devs already posted new wallpapers there :slight_smile:

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I'll give Zorin 18 a shot. We'll see if it leads me to purchasing the "pro" version.

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I love Zorin and already have version 17 Pro. I think I'll buy version 18 Pro as well.
I just hope that the update from 17 to 18 goes smoothly.

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If Zorin 18 comes with issues with X11 out of the gate (flickering window animations, for example), that is it for me. I am done (with Zorin 18, at least). Same for if any of their included applications act out of whack like how VLC did for me when I was a total Zorin (and Linux) newbie and the file picker window didn't even act right. For a new Windows migrant back then, to me, that was disillusioning and puzzling. It was like, "didn't they vet their own software before releasing it?" (Now I know better; it wasn't entirely their fault - but still, they could have gone through the applications beforehand and adjusted the software selection or whatever as needed, and that apparently didn't happen.) To me, it was dumbfounding (and still is) how they could release a half-baked implementation of X11 and think that'd pass muster with users looking to Zorin OS as their next "main" distribution. Didn't they look at that? That's what backports are for. This is my whole point. Why didn't they "vet" their own OS before releasing it for people to use? Or care enough to fix certain things before release? If Microsoft released Windows with flickering windows animations, I guarantee you the backlash would be swift and painful. (At least Zorin included a "magic genie" effect that I could turn on; that did away with the window flickering in X11.) That and other things (before I got into the groove with Linux) really did take away from the initial luster of Zorin OS 17 Pro. I say all this not to be "mean" or anything, but to just only sincerely and honestly offer my impressions and feedback about what it was like to me then (and in some ways, still is). We'll see.

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The hardware has a huge impact on the performance of the OS. You will find that the same machine may work fine with certain Linux distributions, while it may not work properly with others. Sometimes they're small annoyances, sometimes they're more significant.

At the end of the day, you'll get the best guarantees by purchasing from a hardware manufacturer that advertises Linux support for the device. The same is true for Windows; it just so happens this already is the default for most vendors. The same applies for other operating systems, including on the smartphone space — anyone remembers Firefox OS, or Blackberry?

Mmmm, I'm not so sure about that. Microsoft has dropped the ball more than once, sometimes with pretty significant consequences, including data loss. I've even seen first hand devices that came without Wi-Fi drivers (just like in Linux! :smiley:).

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True enough. Fair point. Zorin 16's X11 mode worked perfectly on my hardware, though (with an AMD video card), when I tried out the live ISO. So that made me wonder why a more up-to-date version didn't work as well. Probably something to do with the kernel version or whatever. I don't know. But still. It feels like maybe more Q&A could've been done (from my viewpoint as a customer). That's all. Thanks.

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This is the critical statement.

You are not giving an accusation; you are outlining the impression something gives and offering advice that can mitigate those impressions.

I agree with this and I think it is very important.

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Exactly. Thank you. Time will tell if Arytom and Kyrill have taken my (and everyone else's) feedback to heart. I am actually on Debian XFCE right now, and love it. But if Zorin 18 gets it right, I will very strongly consider moving back. I will not be so quick to fork over my money for the "Pro" version like how I was with Zorin OS 17. If Arytom and Kyrill want my money and that of others', they have to earn it. Thanks again.

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Neither is FOMF (Fear of moving forward), apparently. There is a very specific reason why this issue is brought up now and multiple times in 2025 rather than late December 2023. And this repeating 2-year event will continue to occur even if you were to magically fix my issues right now, because they will continue to repeat for me and many others, given the slow update cycle for gnome version. There is only one valid way to fix this issue: allow a version of Zorin OS with a more frequent update cycle. Fixing these symptoms of the problem, like you are trying to do, will not fix the issue.

It is convenient to group everyone into just wanting the new shiny thing. I understand what makes you content, but that doesn't mean it makes anyone else content. And I am the one using my machine, with my own valid needs, so I am unsure how or why your contentment is something to consider. Valid points to make this OS even more suitable for others should be made, rather than trying to instantly squash discussion and unfairly grouping us into categories that don't represent us. I have seen you comment FOMO as a reply to other similar inquiries about Zorin OS update issues before, and the discussions don't go much further. This is what is so disheartening to see when these issues come up again and again. I love this OS and want it to be better.

I have uses that I can't find suitable extensions for, given the gnome version. I have extensions I can find suitable alternatives for, but are unwanted or undesirable somehow. There are some I prefer to keep my system less littered with additional extensions, if able to, or I prefer official extensions. And there are some I find interesting and just want to try.

Glucose monitoring via gnome shell extension is impossible in the current state and version of gnome under Zorin OS 17. If you are unaware, to some individuals this is one of the most vital set of numbers that they must keep track of throughout the day. I most likely will be able to get subpar, but doable, monitoring via Zorin OS 18, as there are a few gnome 45 compatible extensions. However, the most useful current extension for glucose monitoring is only compatible with gnome 47+. Given that Zorin OS 18 will most likely ship with Ubuntu 24.04, which ships with gnome 46, I will have to technically wait until Zorin OS 19 in late 2027 before I can finally get a more useful glucose monitor extension. Remember, as of this week, gnome 47 has been out for a full year already, and it will only be available to Zorin OS a full 3 years after its official release.

Now, what about extensions that I can find alternatives for. Sure, some of them will be good, some will be ok, some will be terrible. But you know what is even worse? When an official extension from gnome isn't supported on the current version of gnome in Zorin OS 17. Luckily, it should finally be available when Zorin OS 18 is release as gnome 46 should be supported, and that is the minimun supported gnome version. But why would you want me to litter my system with unofficial extensions when an official version would work perfectly fine?

Lastly, Zorin OS is installed on my laptop. Before, I would continuously use it all the time throughout the day. It was my workhorse and it was powered by Zorin OS. While I still am on computers all the time throughout the day, I am on my laptop with Zorin OS much less. I was surprised to see myself staying after work to continue working on projects and other important items on the computers there, rather than my usual switch back to my laptop, which allows for vastly more freedom of use and movement. Simply, the outdated system has been a turnoff.

Now, I absolutely love Zorin OS. I still love it and don't want to have a different daily driver. It has been amazing using it since Zorin OS 15. It was exactly what I needed when Zorin OS 15 first came out. But I wouldn't notice any issues for maybe 15 months (crazy how the 12 - 24 month period seems to be an issue for Zorin OS), but it was fixed when Zorin OS 16 came out. I would continue to learn more about Linux, but that long wait caused another set of issues and a stronger set of issues, which weren't fully fixed by Zorin OS 17. And I know Zorin OS 18 won't fix all the existing issues. But a change in gnome update schedule would do A LOT to fix these issues that solely stem from an outdated gnome version.

The issue with Zorin OS has absolutely nothing to do with the OS. It is the painfully slow update process for specific yet important components. Keep the stability for those that prefer it, as many would, but allow for more frequent updates for those that prefer that, as many would. We aren't asking for brand-spanking new, hot out of the oven release updates. But we are saying 2 years is way too long.

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What I'm trying to do is clarify the reason why Zorin OS delivers packages that aren't as up to date. I do this because threads like this are read by many people, including many new to Linux, or at least unfamiliar about certain aspects of package management.

As I mentioned, I've seen this complaint made many times before, for all the wrong reasons.

Not because of me, I assure you. If you or anyone else has anything to say, go for it. The very fact that this has come up many times before, and still does, is proof itself that I'm not doing any policing on the topic.

I can see how you might feel like I've put you and others into a box based on this. I can assure you this is not my intention at all. An unfortunate side effect of written communication is that sometimes certain connotations and meanings are louder than they should, and for that I do apologize.

That said, I completely stand by my statement that there are people who complain about this issue based on nothing but the perception that they need the latest software. It's an understandable feeling, but there are other considerations besides the version number, which are often overlooked, and often out of lack of familiarity about how package management works under Linux.

That's the common culprit that I see on this matter, and the reason I'm vocal about it. It's important to understand why some things are the way they are. I don't know if you already knew this, but like I said, plenty of people will be reading this thread who might not.

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Excellent reply.

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Maybe they should be well aware of the 2-year problem that regularly occurs on this platform, well before they are 2 years into the platform. It might take them a natural 2-5 years before noticing a major updating problem.

Anyways, based on the reply, it seems like the bottom 2/3rds of the comment is being ignored. I mean, it was the part that I was asked to clarify specifically.

Extensions for ideas that don't exist for Zorin OS 17 now. Zorin OS 18 will partially fix the problem, but Zorin OS 19 (late 2027) will finally allow the extension of my desired choice (currently) to be used.

Why would you prefer me to install unofficial extensions from elsewhere when a viable solution from an offcial source exists with an approprate gnome update, today?

After the other issues above, what are all the wrong reasons for me? I have made a detailed explanation, which you wanted to see.

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It is not certain that Zorin will receive gnome 46. Zorin 17 contains gnome 43, although it is based on ubuntu 22.04 which uses gnome 42. So it is possible Zorin 18 will be released with gnome 47.

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I see no issues at all, you seem to have very good reasons to move on to a later version of Gnome. And that's really all there is to it: use whatever works for you.

The distributions I've mentioned in my earlier post have a rolling release model, which basically means packages are updated frequently to their latest possible versions. For your use case, and especially being a medical necessity, I would recommend using one of those distributions. At least until one of the slower pace distributions catches up to the software, since once it does the chances for unexpected bugs to crawl in after an update are much lower.

I don't prefer it. It's just an option that exists.

Maybe, but just because you call it a problem doesn't mean that it is. A slow-paced release model is a design decision made consciously. It has its advantages and disadvantages that won't work for everyone, nor is it meant to be.

Because I don't know of any software that could help for your particular case. I couldn't have known until you did explain a bit what your needs are, however.

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What You describe, is the Downside of an LTS Distro. The Release Cyle is longer and the Packages are older. And when You need newer Stuff - especially the Gnome Desktop - You don't get that.

Don't understand me wrong: Your Needs are how hey are. You have different Needs than me or others here. That is totally normal; we are different People. And to explain here your Point of View to that is totally fine, too.

But when the System no longer suits to Your Needs, I think, You should switch to another Distro what fits better to them. I mean: This here isn't Windows. So, You don't have to fight and handle with the System and You don't need to take back. When the System no longer fits, switch to one that will.

You could switch to Debian 13; that uses Gnome 48. So, You have - at least for now - an up-to-date DE. Of Course that will not be a long Time because Debian is an LTS Distro, too. And Debian is more ... how can is say that ... raw. So, You have to set up some Stuff to make it similar to Zorin.

And for the Case, You want a continuos more recent up-to-date System but not the bleeding Edge Stuff from Arch, there would be Fedora. The Release Cycle is round about half-yearly if I'm not wrong. And it gets on each Release a new Gnome Version. So, You would have a relatively up-to-date Gnome Desktop - the Downside would be that You have to like the Fedora OS.

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Debian also has a testing branch with packages that are even more up to date, although at the cost of introducing possible instabilities because of it. I hear this doesn't really happen all that often, and many use this as a nice middle ground between stability and software availability. Was it Spiral Linux that is based Debian testing?

Flatpak packages are also a great alternative to get up to date software, even on Zorin OS. There are a few hidden gotchas to get used to at first, but otherwise very usable for this type of scenario.

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I can understand that many people always want to have the latest software. However, I deliberately chose Zorin OS because stability is important to me. That's why I think Zorin's LTS approach is absolutely right. On the other hand, those who always need the very latest should switch to a different distribution. That's the beauty of Linux: you have a choice.

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