Redazione RHC : 26 September 2025 08:45
Zorin OS has released a beta version of its new release, Zorin OS 18. Currently, only the GNOME-based Core edition is available , without the proprietary library. According to Artem Zorin, a lightweight Xfce-based Lite version will arrive later, after the stable release.
The system is based on Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat , released almost a year and a half ago. However, the developers adhere to the ” release when it’s ready ” principle, rather than relying on a calendar. The previous version, 17.3, remains current and stable, although some users have been forced to downgrade from Noble to Jammy due to issues with Nvidia graphics cards.
Zorin OS 18’s interface is based on GNOME 46, but has been significantly redesigned with extensions, including the company-sponsored Dash-to-Panel. The taskbar now features rounded corners and a floating layout at the bottom of the screen, reminiscent of KDE Plasma 5.25.
For window management, Zorin has implemented the Tiling Shell extension, similar to Windows 11’s Snap Assist : when you drag a window, an assistant appears with several predefined layouts and thumbnails of adjacent windows.
Developers have moved the new Activity Indicator to the taskbar to make virtual desktops easier to use. Additionally, the Zorin Appearance tool will be updated, allowing you to switch between interface styles, from older versions of Windows and macOS to the classic GNOME. The Pro edition will add more options, including Linux Mint Cinnamon and Elementary OS emulations, as well as a new “compact” mode.
Other improvements include improved performance thanks to updated drivers, full-text search in the file manager, improved touchscreen and remote desktop support, lower audio latency thanks to PipeWire , and corrected menu functionality on multi-monitor systems.
Zorin OS 18 expands support for web apps, building on the legacy of Linux Mint 20.1 and the established concept of Progressive Web Apps . They now appear as standalone apps, without an address bar or browser buttons. This feature isn’t limited to Brave or Chrome; Firefox 143 already includes support.
For new Windows users, the system will automatically suggest alternatives when attempting to install .exe files. In addition to native applications, Zorin also offers web versions of services, such as free online versions of Microsoft Office.
Many of the improvements in Zorin OS 18 are inherited from Ubuntu 24.04, but a significant portion of the interface and user tools changes were developed by the Zorin team itself.
Zorin OS 18 is coming soon, and while the changes aren’t exactly revolutionary, they reflect the maturity of Linux: development is moving toward convenience and improving the user experience, rather than radical innovation.
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