Linux 6.15 Released | New Features, Rust Integration, and Hardware Support Explained

On May 25, 2025, Linus Torvalds officially announced the release of Linux Kernel 6.15, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the Linux operating system. This release introduces groundbreaking features, including deeper Rust integration, substantial performance enhancements, and broader hardware compatibility, catering to developers, system administrators, and end-users alike.

Rust Integration: A New Era for Kernel Development

One of the most notable advancements in Linux 6.15 is the continued integration of the Rust programming language into the kernel. This release lays the groundwork for NOVA, an experimental open-source NVIDIA GPU driver written entirely in Rust. While still in its early stages, NOVA aims to provide a safer and more efficient alternative to the existing Nouveau driver, particularly for newer GSP-based NVIDIA GPUs .

Performance Enhancements and Subsystem Improvements

1. Zero-Copy Networking with io_uring

Linux 6.15 introduces zero-copy receive (zcrx) support via io_uring, enabling network packet data to be transferred directly to user-space memory without additional copying. This enhancement reduces latency and CPU overhead, benefiting network-intensive applications and workloads .

2. exFAT File System Performance Boost

Significant optimizations have been made to the exFAT file system. Notably, deleting large files has become dramatically faster. For instance, removing an 80GB file now takes approximately 1.6 seconds, down from over 4 minutes in previous versions, thanks to improvements contributed by Sony developers .

3. Introduction of fwctl Subsystem

The new fwctl subsystem provides a standardized framework for defining Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) to firmware. This facilitates secure and structured communication between user space and device firmware, streamlining configuration, updates, and debugging processes .

Expanded Hardware Support

1. Apple Touch Bar and M1/M2 Support

Linux 6.15 adds support for the Apple Touch Bar on both Intel-based and M1/M2 MacBook Pros. This includes functionality for backlight control, touch interactions, and displaying function keys, enhancing the user experience for Mac users running Linux .

2. Enhanced Controller Compatibility

Support for various gaming controllers has been improved:

• PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers.

  
  

• Moza Racing and Cammus racing/flight simulator devices.

• Turtle Beach Recon, Stealth Ultra, and PowerA Wired Xbox controllers.

These additions ensure broader compatibility and better performance for gaming peripherals on Linux .(Kernel Newbies)

3. Intel Xe and Arc GPU Enhancements

The Intel Xe graphics driver now supports Shared Virtual Memory (SVM), reports GPU and VRAM temperatures for Arc GPUs, and includes mechanisms to notify user-space applications when the GPU becomes unresponsive, improving overall system stability and performance .

Architecture and Virtualization Updates

1. RISC-V and ARM Advancements

Linux 6.15 expands support for RISC-V and ARM architectures:

• Adds support for BFloat16, ZBKB, Zaamo, and Zalrsc RISC-V extensions.

• Introduces a device tree for the Google Pixel Pro 6 (gs101).

• Provides basic support for Allwinner A523 devices.(OMG! Ubuntu)

These enhancements cater to the growing ecosystem of embedded and edge devices .

2. x86 Optimization

A new setcpuid= boot parameter allows users to customize x86 CPU features, offering greater flexibility and control over processor capabilities .

 File System Improvements

1. Btrfs Enhancements

The Btrfs file system receives several updates:

• Support for zstd real-time compression levels ranging from -15 to -1.

• Fallback to buffered writes when direct I/O is attempted on files requiring checksums, reducing checksum mismatch errors in virtual machines .

2. Bcachefs Development

Work on Bcachefs, a modern copy-on-write file system, continues with the introduction of:

• A new scrub functionality for detecting and repairing file system errors.

• Support for block sizes larger than the system page size, improving I/O performance .

Security Enhancements

Linux 6.15 incorporates several security-focused updates:

• A new security hook for io_uring, allowing for finer-grained control over asynchronous I/O operations, despite some controversy regarding its complexity .

• Support for hardware-wrapped encryption keys in the block layer, enhancing data protection by preventing keys from residing in system memory .

How to Obtain Linux 6.15

Linux Kernel 6.15 is available for download from the official Linux Kernel Archives. Users can:(Kernel)

• Manually compile the kernel from source.

• Wait for their Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch) to include it in official updates.

• Use tools like UKUU or Mainline Kernel Installer for Ubuntu-based systems to install the mainline kernel.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future with Linux 6.15

Linux Kernel 6.15 represents a significant step forward in the ongoing evolution of the Linux operating system. With its embrace of Rust for safer and more efficient driver development, substantial performance enhancements across various subsystems, and expanded hardware support, this release sets the stage for a more robust and versatile Linux experience.

Whether you're a developer seeking the latest features, a system administrator aiming for improved performance and security, or an end-user looking for better hardware compatibility, Linux 6.15 offers compelling reasons to upgrade.

Stay informed about future developments and consider exploring the new capabilities introduced in this release to fully leverage the power and flexibility of Linux.

FAQs

What is new in Linux 6.15?

Linux 6.15 introduces Rust-based driver development (NOVA for NVIDIA GPUs), zero-copy networking via io_uring, faster exFAT performance, and better support for Apple M1/M2 hardware.

Does Linux 6.15 support Rust?

Yes, Linux 6.15 deepens Rust integration by introducing NOVA, a new NVIDIA GPU driver written in Rust, aimed at improving safety and performance.

Is the Apple Touch Bar supported in Linux 6.15?

Yes, Linux 6.15 includes support for the Apple Touch Bar on Intel and M1/M2-based MacBook Pros, including lighting control and function key emulation.

What performance improvements are in Linux 6.15?

Linux 6.15 improves networking via io_uring zero-copy receive, significantly accelerates exFAT file deletion, and enhances GPU responsiveness.

What is io_uring zero-copy receive in Linux 6.15?

It’s a networking improvement that allows packets to be received directly into user-space memory, reducing CPU overhead and latency.

How fast is exFAT in Linux 6.15?

Linux 6.15 can delete large files up to 80GB in just 1.6 seconds on exFAT, compared to over 4 minutes in previous versions.

Is NVIDIA GPU support improved in Linux 6.15?

Yes, Linux 6.15 introduces NOVA, a Rust-based open-source driver for newer NVIDIA GPUs using the GSP architecture.

Does Linux 6.15 improve support for gaming controllers?

Yes, it adds support for PS5 DualSense, Moza Racing, Cammus, PowerA Xbox controllers, and Turtle Beach devices.

What new filesystems are enhanced in Linux 6.15?

Linux 6.15 includes updates to Btrfs and Bcachefs with zstd compression, better checksum handling, and a new scrub feature.

What’s new in Linux 6.15 for Intel GPUs?

Linux 6.15 adds Shared Virtual Memory support, temperature reporting, and improved hang detection for Intel Arc and Xe GPUs.

Is Linux 6.15 more secure?

Yes, it includes a new io_uring security hook and support for hardware-wrapped encryption keys in the block layer.

What is the fwctl subsystem in Linux 6.15?

The fwctl subsystem allows user-space applications to securely communicate with firmware using standardized RPC calls.

Does Linux 6.15 support RISC-V?

Yes, it supports new RISC-V extensions like BFloat16, ZBKB, Zaamo, and Zalrsc, enhancing the architecture's capabilities.

How to install Linux 6.15 on Ubuntu or Fedora?

You can download it from kernel.org and compile it manually or use tools like UKUU or wait for your distro's official update.

Does Linux 6.15 support Google Pixel 6 Pro?

Yes, a device tree has been added for the Google Pixel 6 Pro (gs101), laying the foundation for better support.

Can Linux 6.15 be used on ARM devices?

Yes, it brings new support for Allwinner A523 and improves device tree compatibility for ARM-based devices.

Is Linux 6.15 stable for production use?

As a mainline release, it's considered stable, but production deployment depends on distro integration and testing.

Is Bcachefs ready in Linux 6.15?

Bcachefs continues development with new features like scrub and support for block sizes larger than the system page size.

What’s new for x86 CPUs in Linux 6.15?

A new boot parameter setcpuid= allows better configuration of CPU capabilities on x86 platforms.

Where can I download Linux Kernel 6.15?

Linux 6.15 can be downloaded directly from kernel.org.

How to upgrade to Linux 6.15?

Upgrade using your Linux distribution’s package manager or manually compile from the source code.

Does Linux 6.15 improve virtualization?

Yes, improvements in memory handling, architecture support, and subsystem APIs enhance virtualization environments.

Is Linux 6.15 better for gaming?

Yes, with expanded controller support and improved GPU drivers, it enhances the gaming experience on Linux.

Is exFAT now more reliable in Linux 6.15?

Yes, exFAT performance and reliability have been significantly improved, especially during file deletions.

Can Linux 6.15 run on M2 MacBooks?

Yes, Linux 6.15 improves support for M2-based MacBooks, especially with the Touch Bar and general hardware integration.

What’s the benefit of Rust in the kernel?

Rust enhances memory safety, reduces common kernel bugs, and provides a modern language for writing secure drivers.

Does Linux 6.15 support thermal sensors for GPUs?

Yes, it now reports GPU and VRAM temperatures for Intel Arc GPUs, improving thermal management.

Are there new security modules in Linux 6.15?

New security mechanisms like hardware-wrapped encryption keys and io_uring hooks increase overall system protection.

Is Linux 6.15 optimized for developers?

Yes, new debugging interfaces, better firmware communication, and structured APIs benefit kernel and driver developers.

What is the NOVA driver in Linux 6.15?

NOVA is an experimental Rust-based open-source driver for newer NVIDIA GPUs introduced in Linux 6.15.

Should I upgrade to Linux 6.15?

If you want the latest features, hardware support, and security enhancements, upgrading to Linux 6.15 is highly recommended.