elementary OS 8

Basic Information

elementary OS 8, codenamed "Circe," is a Linux distribution that positions itself as a thoughtful, capable, and ethical replacement for macOS and Windows.

• Model: elementary OS 8 "Circe"
• Version: 8.0.2 (latest stable as of September 22, 2025)
• Release Date: November 26, 2024
• Minimum Requirements: Recent Intel Core i3 or comparable 64-bit dual-core processor, 4 GB of system memory (RAM), 32 GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage, Internet access, and a 1024x768 minimum resolution display.
• Supported Operating Systems: It is a standalone operating system based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
• End of Support Date: Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, it benefits from a 5-year support cycle, likely extending support until 2029.
• End of Life Date: Coincides with the end of support date for its Ubuntu LTS base, typically 5 years from the base OS release.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable; updates are continuous. Application updates are managed via AppCenter, and system updates are handled in System Settings, with options for offline updates and applying updates before shutdown.
• License Type: Open Source, primarily GPLv3.
• Deployment Model: Available via a pay-what-you-want model for download from the official website, with the option to pay $0. It is also available pre-installed on hardware from various retailers.

Technical Requirements

elementary OS 8 maintains modest hardware requirements, ensuring accessibility across a range of devices, while recommending higher specifications for optimal performance.

• RAM: 4 GB minimum; 8 GB or more recommended for optimal multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
• Processor: Recent Intel Core i3 or comparable 64-bit dual-core processor minimum; a quad-core processor or higher is recommended for enhanced performance.
• Storage: 32 GB of free SSD space minimum. While 15 GB is required for installation, a larger SSD is recommended for storing additional files and software.
• Display: 1024x768 minimum resolution.
• Ports: Standard USB port for installation media; general modern connectivity for peripherals.
• Operating System: Designed for AMD64 architecture.

Analysis: The technical requirements for elementary OS 8 are relatively low, making it suitable for older or less powerful hardware. However, to fully experience its smooth animations and responsive Pantheon desktop environment, particularly with multiple applications or high-resolution displays, exceeding the minimum recommendations for RAM and processor is advisable. The emphasis on SSD storage highlights its commitment to performance.

Support & Compatibility

elementary OS 8 leverages a robust foundation and dedicated efforts to ensure broad compatibility and user support.

• Latest Version: elementary OS 8.0.2, released September 22, 2025.
• OS Support: Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, it benefits from the long-term stability and hardware enablement stack of Ubuntu. It ships with Linux kernel 6.8 (initial release) or 6.14 (8.0.2), providing up-to-date hardware support.
• End of Support Date: Aligns with the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS lifecycle, typically offering 5 years of support.
• Localization: System Settings are redesigned to support diverse user needs, including right-to-left language layouts, and language selection is available during installation.
• Available Drivers: Enhanced hardware support is provided through the Linux kernel 6.8/6.14 and the inclusion of Pipewire for improved audio. Driver management is integrated into System Settings, simplifying the installation of drivers for components like Wi-Fi (Broadcom) and Nvidia graphics.

Analysis: elementary OS 8 demonstrates strong support and compatibility, primarily due to its foundation on Ubuntu LTS and the inclusion of recent Linux kernels. This ensures broad hardware recognition and access to a vast ecosystem of software and drivers. The dedicated driver management in System Settings and improved localization features contribute to a user-friendly experience for a global audience. The continuous update model for applications and system components further ensures ongoing compatibility and security.

Security Status

elementary OS 8 prioritizes privacy and security as foundational principles, implementing several features to protect user data and control.

• Security Features:
  • Privacy is a core principle, with a strict "zero telemetry" policy and transparent feedback mechanisms.
  • AppCenter curates open-source, privacy-friendly applications, ensuring no ads, tracking, or questionable data collection practices.
  • First-class Flatpak support enables application sandboxing, isolating apps and requiring explicit user permission for access to data and hardware resources.
  • Granular permission controls allow users to manage app access to files, folders, network connections, hardware devices (e.g., webcams, microphones), and background services.
  • A new "Secure Session," powered by Wayland, offers stricter app restrictions and requires explicit user consent for system feature access. A "Classic Session" (X11-based) is also available.
  • Drive encryption is an available option during installation.
  • Automatic housekeeping tidies temporary and trashed files, helping to protect private data.
  • Screen Time & Limits features are available for user management.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific vulnerabilities for elementary OS 8 are widely reported, as it benefits from the security patching and updates of its Ubuntu LTS base.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: No specific security certifications are mentioned.
• Encryption Support: Full disk encryption is supported during the installation process.
• Authentication Methods: Standard password-based login. Users can select between the "Classic" or "Secure" session at the login screen.
• General Recommendations: Utilizing the "Secure Session" is recommended for enhanced privacy and control over application permissions.

Analysis: elementary OS 8 boasts a strong security posture, deeply integrating privacy into its design. The combination of Flatpak sandboxing, granular permission controls, and the new Wayland-powered Secure Session provides users with significant control over their data and application behavior. The curated AppCenter and zero-telemetry approach further reinforce its commitment to user privacy, making it a robust choice for security-conscious users.

Performance & Benchmarks

elementary OS 8 focuses on delivering a smooth and responsive user experience through design and underlying optimizations.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not widely published for elementary OS 8.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Performance optimizations result in smoother animations, a reduced memory footprint for core components, and faster startup times for key applications.
  • The minimal default app selection contributes to faster boot times and lower resource usage.
  • It generally performs well, even on virtual machines with limited resources, exhibiting smooth animations.
  • The Secure Session (Wayland) can offer improved performance and smoothness, particularly on lower-powered hardware.
  • Initial idle RAM usage is around 800 MB to 1 GB.
  • Gaming performance is considered solid, though it may not match highly optimized gaming-specific distributions due to kernel and driver versions.
• Power Consumption: Linux kernel 6.14, included in elementary OS 8.0.2, brings reduced power consumption for certain AMD and Intel chipsets and GPUs.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in available information.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Ubuntu: elementary OS 8 prioritizes a clean design and privacy, contrasting with Ubuntu's Snap integration and default telemetry.
  • Fedora: While Fedora embraces cutting-edge technologies, elementary OS 8 offers a more tightly integrated design.
  • Pop!_OS: Pop!_OS provides extensive customization and performance, often targeting power users, whereas elementary OS 8 emphasizes simplicity.
  • macOS: elementary OS 8 offers a visually similar, polished experience but provides greater user control over data.
  • Linux Mint: Both offer polished experiences, but elementary OS 8 is Flatpak-centric for applications, while Mint primarily uses Ubuntu repositories. Mint may perform better on very low-spec machines.

Analysis: elementary OS 8 generally delivers a responsive and efficient performance, especially on moderately equipped hardware, thanks to its design philosophy of minimalism and continuous optimizations. While some early user feedback noted potential lag in virtualized environments, the overall performance is geared towards a fluid user experience. Its power consumption benefits from recent kernel updates, enhancing its suitability for laptops and mobile devices.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for elementary OS 8 highlight its aesthetic appeal and privacy-centric approach, alongside some areas for improvement.

• Strengths:
  • Design and User Experience: Widely praised for its beautiful, clean, elegant, and consistent Pantheon desktop environment, often compared favorably to macOS. It is considered user-friendly, intuitive, and offers a "just works" experience with a gentle learning curve.
  • Privacy and Security: Its strong focus on privacy, including zero telemetry, Flatpak sandboxing, granular permissions, and the new Secure Session, is a significant draw for users.
  • Minimalism: Users appreciate the minimal default app selection and lack of bloatware, contributing to a clean out-of-the-box experience.
  • Multitasking: The new dock with improved multitasking features and window spread functionality is well-received.
  • Accessibility: Efforts towards improved accessibility and inclusive design are noted positively.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Good hardware compatibility, stemming from its Ubuntu LTS base and recent Linux kernel, is a consistent advantage.
• Weaknesses:
  • Performance Concerns: Some users report lag, instability, and slow performance, particularly when running in virtual machines. The default web browser (Epiphany) has also been noted to have issues for some.
  • Software Management Complexity: The separation of OS updates, app updates, and driver management, coupled with a Flatpak-centric AppCenter, can be perceived as overly complex compared to other beginner-friendly distributions. Some applications may not install easily.
  • Limited Customization: While intentional, the limited customization options can be a drawback for users who prefer extensive personalization.
  • Gaming Performance: While solid, gaming performance may not always be optimal compared to distributions specifically tuned for gaming, partly due to kernel and driver versions.
  • Wayland Accessibility: Some accessibility features may not be fully functional yet in the new Secure Session (Wayland).
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Users seeking a visually appealing, distraction-free, and privacy-focused computing environment.
  • Individuals transitioning from macOS or Windows who desire a polished, intuitive, and "just works" Linux experience.
  • Users who prefer a system with sensible defaults and minimal need for constant tweaking.

Summary

elementary OS 8 "Circe" represents a significant evolution in the distribution's commitment to a beautiful, user-friendly, and privacy-centric computing experience. Released on November 26, 2024, and built upon the stable foundation of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with Linux kernel 6.8 or 6.14, it offers a refined desktop environment (Pantheon) that emphasizes design simplicity and intuitive interaction.

Strengths of elementary OS 8 are numerous. Its aesthetic appeal, often compared to macOS, provides a clean and elegant interface that is easy to navigate for new users. The distribution's foundational commitment to privacy is evident through its zero-telemetry policy, a curated AppCenter that avoids tracking, and robust Flatpak sandboxing for applications. The introduction of the "Secure Session" (Wayland-powered) further enhances security by requiring explicit user consent for app access to system features. Multitasking is improved with a redesigned dock and efficient window management. Moreover, its modest system requirements make it accessible to a wide range of hardware, and its Ubuntu LTS base ensures solid hardware compatibility and long-term support.

However, elementary OS 8 also presents some weaknesses. While generally performing well, some users have reported instances of lag and instability, particularly in virtualized environments. The software management approach, which heavily relies on Flatpak and separates system and application updates, can be perceived as complex or restrictive by users accustomed to traditional package managers or broader software availability. The intentional limitation on customization options, while contributing to its cohesive design, might not appeal to users who prefer extensive personalization. Additionally, certain accessibility features may not yet be fully integrated or functional within the new Wayland-based Secure Session.

In assessment, elementary OS 8 is an excellent choice for users prioritizing a visually stunning, intuitive, and privacy-focused operating system. It is particularly well-suited for those migrating from macOS or Windows who desire a polished, "just works" experience without unnecessary bloat. While some early performance and software management quirks exist, its core strengths in design, privacy, and user-friendliness make it a compelling option for a productive and secure desktop environment.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.