As expected the Linux 6.12-rc1 kernel is out today in marking the end of the very exciting two-week Linux 6.12 merge window that saw many high profile features land.

If you didn't already see from earlier today, checkout our Linux 6.12 feature overview for a look at all the shiny new features in Linux 6.12. The Linux 6.12 kernel brings Intel Xe2 graphics for Lunar Lake and Battlemage enabled by default, real-time "PREEMPT_RT" support has finally been mainlined, Sched_ext has been merged, QR code DRM panic messages, and much, much more.

So far Linus Torvalds hasn't issued his customary 6.12-rc1 announcement to the mailing list, but the code is available via Git for those interested. Presumably his commentary will be out soon and will update when available.

Linux 6.12 stable should be out mid-to-late November and given the timing is expected to be this year's Long-Term Support (LTS) kernel release.

Now onwards to more Linux 6.12 kernel testing and performance benchmarking.