Manjaro Linux is an Arch-based distribution that focuses on usability and curated rolling updates. It provides stable ISO snapshots for installation while remaining a rolling-release system.
- 2011: Manjaro project begins and releases its first ISO.
- 2013: Manjaro gains popularity as an accessible Arch-based distribution.
- 2015: Manjaro adopts the YY.MM versioning scheme (e.g., 15.09).
- 2017: Manjaro introduces the Stable/Testing/Unstable branch model for staged updates.
- 2020: Manjaro 20.x series introduces refined tooling and edition improvements.
- 2021: Manjaro 21.x series with improved hardware detection and kernel management.
- 2022: Manjaro 22.x series continues rolling development with enhanced desktop integration.
- 2023: Manjaro 23.x series (Uranos, Vulcan) with updated tooling and desktop environments.
- 2024: Manjaro 24.x series begins with Wynsdey (24.0), followed by Xahea (24.1) and Yonada (24.2).
- 2025: Manjaro 25.0 “Zetar” released with modernized tooling and desktop updates.
- 2026: Manjaro 26.0 “Anh-Linh” released (January 4, 2026) with Linux 6.18 LTS, Wayland default, and COSMIC desktop support.
Manjaro remains a popular Arch-based distribution for desktop users:
- Current Release: Manjaro 26.0 “Anh-Linh” (January 4, 2026)
- Release Model: Rolling release with periodic ISO snapshots
- Branches: Stable (recommended), Testing, Unstable
- Package Manager: Pamac (GUI) and Pacman (CLI) with AUR, Flatpak, and Snap support
- Desktop Editions: Xfce (flagship), KDE Plasma, GNOME (official editions)
- Community Editions: Multiple community-maintained editions (Budgie, Cinnamon, MATE, i3, Sway)
- Kernel Management: MHWD (Manjaro Hardware Detection) for multiple kernel support
- Base: Arch Linux (with Manjaro repositories and stability testing)
- Default Kernel: Linux 6.18 LTS (with 6.12 LTS and 6.6 LTS options)
- Display Server: Wayland default on KDE Plasma and GNOME editions
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 26.0 |
Anh-Linh |
2026-01-04 |
6.18 LTS |
Xfce 4.20 / Plasma 6.5 / GNOME 49 |
| 25.0 |
Zetar |
2025-04-15 |
6.12 LTS |
Xfce 4.20 / Plasma 6.x / GNOME 48 |
- 2024-2026: Three major ISO releases (24.x series, 25.0, 26.0) with rolling updates
- Desktop Updates: Regular updates to Xfce 4.20, KDE Plasma 6.5, and GNOME 49 desktop environments
- Wayland Transition: KDE Plasma and GNOME editions now default to Wayland display server
- COSMIC Desktop: First stable COSMIC desktop environment available (2026)
- Tooling: Enhanced Pamac 15 package manager with improved AUR, Flatpak, and Snap integration
- Gaming Support: Improved Steam, Proton, Wine, and Lutris support through Manjaro repositories
- Hardware Detection: Continued MHWD improvements for better hardware compatibility and driver management
- Kernel Options: Multiple LTS kernels available (6.18, 6.12, 6.6) for different hardware needs
- Community Growth: Active forums, regular blog updates, and community edition support
- Btrfs Support: Improved Btrfs filesystem support with automatic Timeshift snapshots
Browse Manjaro history by year:
Manjaro uses a unique rolling release model with three update branches:
| Branch |
Delay from Arch |
Stability |
Recommended For |
| Unstable |
Few days |
Bleeding edge |
Developers, enthusiasts |
| Testing |
1-2 weeks |
Good |
Experienced users, testers |
| Stable |
2-4 weeks |
Highest |
Most users, production systems |
Manjaro releases periodic ISO snapshots that provide installation points:
| Feature |
Description |
| Purpose |
Fresh installation with current packages |
| Frequency |
2-4 releases per year |
| Codenames |
Each release has a unique codename |
| Editions |
Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME (official) + community editions |
| Updates |
All editions receive continuous rolling updates |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 26.0 |
Anh-Linh |
2026-01-04 |
6.18 LTS |
Xfce 4.20 / Plasma 6.5 / GNOME 49 |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 25.0 |
Zetar |
2025-04-15 |
6.12 LTS |
Xfce 4.20 / Plasma 6.x / GNOME 48 |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 24.2 |
Yonada |
2024-12-08 |
6.6 LTS |
Xfce 4.19 / Plasma 6.2 / GNOME 47 |
| 24.1 |
Xahea |
2024-10-01 |
6.6 LTS |
Xfce 4.19 / Plasma 6.1 / GNOME 46 |
| 24.0 |
Wynsdey |
2024-05-14 |
6.6 LTS |
Xfce 4.19 / Plasma 6.0 / GNOME 46 |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 23.1 |
Vulcan |
2023-12-16 |
6.6 LTS |
Xfce 4.18 / Plasma 5.27 / GNOME 45 |
| 23.0 |
Uranos |
2023-09-06 |
6.1 LTS |
Xfce 4.18 / Plasma 5.27 / GNOME 44 |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 22.1 |
Talos |
2022-12-25 |
5.15 LTS |
Xfce 4.18 / Plasma 5.26 / GNOME 43 |
| 22.0 |
Sikander |
2022-09-02 |
5.15 LTS |
Xfce 4.16 / Plasma 5.25 / GNOME 42 |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Kernel |
Desktop |
| 21.3 |
Ruah |
2022-04-02 |
5.15 LTS |
Xfce 4.16 / Plasma 5.24 / GNOME 41 |
| 21.2 |
Qonos |
2021-12-18 |
5.15 LTS |
Xfce 4.16 / Plasma 5.23 / GNOME 41 |
| 21.1 |
Pahvo |
2021-08-27 |
5.10 LTS |
Xfce 4.16 / Plasma 5.22 / GNOME 40 |
| 21.0 |
Ornara |
2021-03-22 |
5.10 LTS |
Xfce 4.16 / Plasma 5.21 / GNOME 40 |
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manjaro
- https://forum.manjaro.org/t/manjaro-24-0-wynsdey-released/161527
- https://forum.manjaro.org/t/manjaro-25-0-zetar-released/177008
- https://forum.manjaro.org/t/manjaro-26-0-anh-linh-released/184526
- https://manjaro.org/download/
- https://wiki.manjaro.org/
- https://9to5linux.com/manjaro-26-0-released-with-linux-6-18-lts-xfce-4-20-kde-plasma-6-5-and-gnome-49