I would like to hear your opinions about the future of Zorin OS. Do you think there will be a version 19?
I’ve noticed that a new version of GNOME is already out, and a new Ubuntu release is coming soon. Because of that, I believe Zorin OS will likely be updated or have a new version in the future. However, since version 18 is still quite recent, I doubt a new major release will happen very soon.
In a future version of the system, do you think it would be possible to include the COSMIC Desktop as a layout option, or perhaps create something similar to it but in the Zorin OS style?
I mention COSMIC Desktop because I really like its layout, just like I enjoy the layouts currently available in Zorin OS.
The look and feel of Zorin OS is great. I’ve been using it since last year—I started with version 17.3 Core, and I’m currently using version 18 Pro. At first, I had some difficulty with the top panel on multiple monitors, but with help from people here on the forum, the issue was resolved.
One suggestion for the future would be to allow the Mac-style and GNOME-style layouts to be replicated on a second monitor without needing to install an extension. In the Windows-style layout, the panel is natively replicated on the second monitor (as far as I remember), so it would be great if the other layouts had this same native feature.
At the moment, I’m using the GNOME-style layout with Zorin Dash enabled, which gives it a sort of “GnomeMac” feel. I’ve always liked a layout that resembles Elliot’s setup from the TV series Mr. Robot—he used Kali Linux with GNOME. For a long time, I used Ubuntu MATE because its layout reminded me of that style.
That’s pretty much what I expected. Since version 18 was released last year, it wouldn’t make much sense to launch version 19 right now. So it’s likely they’ll continue with intermediate updates, bringing fixes and improvements.
For example, a few days ago the Cursor Editor IDE was having issues related to the kernel and AppArmor. After some system updates in Zorin OS, the problem with Cursor was resolved.
Based on past releases, I wouldn't expect 19 to be out until the end of 2027 (it's lately been about 1.5 years after the latest Ubuntu LTS release).
The plan going forward (as far as any of us knows) is to only support one desktop environment: GNOME. Many of us would love to see them support XFCE, Plasma, or some other DE, but to keep things simple, I doubt they will.
Because of Gnome's intent to drop Mutter I can see this being a big issue. As Ubuntu is entrenched in Gnome (I accept they produce Kubuntu (KDE Plasma), Lubuntu (LXQt), and Xubuntu (xfce)) which is what Zorin is based on, I would prefer it if they would move away from Ubuntu altogether (no more snaps for starters), choose Debian as the base, and make Flatpak an option, not an integral part of the system, like Q4OS does.
I need HDR. Like, yesterday! Been trying different distros lately, including Mint and Nobara and even the latter doesn't compare to how polished and gorgeous Zorin is. Mint is very functional but it's ugly as sin. The lack of HDR on Zorin is driving me insane though. It's freaking 2026.
I will run a Ubuntu 26.04 parition alongside Zorin 18.1 Pro when that drops, because I want to see all the new goodness GNOME 50 brings, including HDR and stable fractional scaling. But it's so hard to leave Zorin, it's such a great OS. I'm really conflicted. Been with Zorin since 16.3 Pro and want HDR so bad, but no other distros come close to looks and usability. It's a drug I can't seem to quit. Also because the other drugs are not up to par... lol
