Your Linux Kernel Keeps Getting Smarter-Here's How
How-To Geek, Sunday, July 26th, 2026
Linux kernel versions 7.0-7.2 introduce Rust support, improved NTFS drivers, and performance optimizations.
The Linux kernel receives frequent updates beyond security patches, with versions 7.0 through 7.2 delivering significant improvements. Kernel 7.0 established stable Rust support and enhanced USB-C compatibility for Apple Silicon Macs.
Version 7.1 added a modern NTFS driver, enabled Intel FRED architecture by default, and removed over 140,000 lines of legacy code. The forthcoming 7.2 release will exceed 43 million lines of code and include cache-aware CPU scheduling, USB4STREAM protocol support, and HDMI 2.1 graphics improvements.