Linux 7.1 Stable Launch Nears as Linus Torvalds Releases Final Release Candidate

Linus Torvalds released Linux 7.1-rc7 on June 7, 2026. This is expected to be the final release candidate before the stable version ships.

GPU fixes lead changes in RC7

The Linux kernel is the core of the operating system used across servers, desktops, and embedded devices. Torvalds oversees development and release management.

RC7 includes GPU fixes as the largest area of changes, followed by networking updates. New hardware support covers AMD Zen6, AMD SDMA 7.1, GFX11, and various laptop quirks.

Torvalds noted that this RC is not small but is smaller than recent releases. He expects the stable version to drop next week if things continue on this trajectory.

The stable Linux 7.1 release is expected around June 14, 2026. Distribution maintainers will handle updates for end users.

Linux 7.1-rc7 is the final candidate before the stable release. Users can expect the final kernel next week if no major issues arise.