Zorin 18.x release date because of Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS

[Tom1]

I found this about "Kora".

Install Kora Icon Theme 1.5.9 on Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Debian

Kind regards,
Tom1

[Ponce-De-Leon]

Welcome to the Forum!

The Thing is: Linux Mint has a bigger Team. So, they can split the Work and get so Time to make this Roadmap and Blog Stuff. I agree that this is a nice and open Way. No Doubt about that.

But on Zorin are only the Zorin's work. So, there have to do their Stuff with the System - the current One and the Development for the coming. And I can imagine that especially the Gnome Stuff with the Adjustments and Extensions isn't so easy to handle. Yes, a bit more Info's about Progress would be nice; I agree to that. But at the End, we will see what we get when they present it.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot something:

@buzzwordy

The default icons have never quite matched the aesthetic, so I always switch to Kora, which fits the vibe much better and honestly should be the default.

You are are free to use the Icons that You want - I use a different Icon Theme, too. But the default Icon Set is for the Beginning a solid one which offers all what is neccessary. Of Course, You can like the Style or not. But for Usage it is fine I would say.

[Ponce-De-Leon]

Kora is an Icon Theme:

Kora

[buzzwordy]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply!

I totally get that Zorin has a much smaller team compared to Linux Mint, and that juggling current maintenance with future development—especially with all the GNOME tweaks—is no small task. Still, I think even minimal updates or a rough roadmap would go a long way. It’s not about demanding constant blog posts, but just a bit of transparency to keep the community engaged and feeling included.

There are many users who genuinely care about Zorin and would love to help or contribute in some way, but the silence and the repeated “it’s ready when it’s ready” approach can feel a bit discouraging. In today’s open-source world, even small signals of progress can build trust and momentum.

That said, I’ve been seriously considering switching to Debian 13. I’ve already forked the Zorin theme to work with the newer GNOME version, and it’s been surprisingly smooth so far. I still appreciate what Zorin offers, but I also want a setup that’s more up to date and transparent. Especially now, when other Ubuntu 24.04-based distros are already rolling out just a few months after the base release, it’s hard not to feel like Zorin is falling behind.

[Aravisian]

@buzzwordy

What I don’t get is the secrecy around the current development status—it’s oddly quiet, which feels out of place in today’s open-source world. Just look at Linux Mint: their team regularly shares progress updates, roadmaps, and engages with the community, which builds trust and keeps users involved. In contrast, Zorin’s repeated “it’s out once it’s ready” line doesn’t exactly inspire confidence—it feels more like deflection than genuine communication. There are plenty of people eager to contribute or help with development, but the devs’ seemingly stubborn “not interested” attitude toward community involvement might put people off and push them toward more open and collaborative projects.

Several of us have requested/suggested a Roadmap be employed for Zorin OS.
I have to agree with the perception you portray here.
It is not saying that it is deflection, but rather that users can detect silence as deflection.
One of the most often things I hear others speculate is that "the ZorinGroup spends ten hours a week working on Zorin OS."

That these kinds of assumptions are purely speculative are irrelevant; simply because assumptions can be mitigated by clear and open communication.

@buzzwordy

I totally get that Zorin has a much smaller team compared to Linux Mint

The ZorinGroup is a smaller team. This also leads to a speculative assumption as to how much time they can allocate to effective communication.
Very Small Teams effectively communicate successfully all the time.
In fact, the smaller the team, the more essential open communication is.

@buzzwordy

even small signals of progress can build trust and momentum.

Exactly.

You are not an isolated individual. You relay a broad and rather common commentary I hear across the web about Zorin OS in general. I mean, granted, on the Arch Forums, it is likely that naysayers will abound. And much of the derision comes from Zorin OS having a Pay-for version; which I fully agree with and support.
But communication - that is a valid observation.

The End Users often feel left in the dark.
And offers to contribute are politely disinclined.

If the small size of Zorin OS was an issue; then these offers would logically be warmly accepted.
Which leads to the conclusion that the small size of the team is not the probable issue.

And on our own forum here; the most often critical comment is the long delay in release, given the Ubuntu Stable Base.

As a child, asking when dinner is ready or when you will arrive at your destination to only be answered, "It's ready when it's ready" or "We'll get there when we get there" may be valid, but does not leave the questioner feeling answered at all.

For Zorin OS End Users, they often are relaying on scheduled plans. From switching a team over to Zorin OS or to just using at home but needing software support; many plan in advance. And being left guessing is not a comfortable situation for a large number of people.