Ubuntu releases a new version every six months, but not every release is supported for the same length of time. Interim releases have a shorter support period and bring newer features and software sooner, while an LTS (Long Term Support) release arrives every two years and is designed for longer-term use.

For production servers, business systems and users who prefer fewer release upgrades, Ubuntu LTS is generally the practical choice. An interim release is better suited to users who want newer kernels, desktop features and development tools and are comfortable upgrading regularly.

Understanding Ubuntu Version Numbers

Ubuntu version numbers are based on the year and month of release, which makes them fairly easy to understand. For example, Ubuntu 26.04 was released in April 2026. The number 26 represents the year 2026, while .04 represents April.

Ubuntu normally publishes a new version every six months, with releases arriving in April (.04) and October (.10). However, not every version is an LTS release. LTS (Long Term Support) versions are released every two years, while the releases between them are known as interim releases.

Understanding this naming system makes it easier to identify when an Ubuntu version was released and whether you may be looking at an LTS or interim release.

What Is an Ubuntu Interim Release?

An Ubuntu interim release is a version released between LTS versions. It is designed for users who want newer Ubuntu features and software sooner and are comfortable upgrading more regularly.

✓ Nine months of support – Interim releases receive updates for nine months, so you need to upgrade to a newer supported version regularly.

✓ Newer features and software – You get newer kernels, development tools and desktop components sooner than with the longer LTS release cycle.

✓ Better suited to newer hardware – Newer kernels and drivers can provide earlier support for recently released hardware.

✓ Good for development and short-term use – Interim releases can be a practical choice for developers, testing environments, newer desktops and systems with a shorter lifecycle.

Interim releases are not limited to testing or experimentation. They can support real workloads as long as you are prepared to follow the regular upgrade cycle.

What Is Ubuntu LTS?

Ubuntu LTS stands for Long Term Support. A new LTS version is released every two years and is designed for users and businesses that want to keep the same Ubuntu release for a longer period without frequent major upgrades.

✓ Five years of standard security maintenance – LTS releases receive a longer standard maintenance period than interim releases.

✓ Fewer release upgrades – The longer support lifecycle means you can stay on the same Ubuntu version for years before moving to the next LTS release.

✓ Stable software base – LTS provides a more consistent package base, making it a practical choice for systems where compatibility and predictable maintenance are important.

✓ Well suited to long-term use – LTS is widely used for production servers, cloud systems, business applications and desktops that are expected to run for several years.

For users who need support beyond the standard maintenance period, eligible LTS releases can also receive extended security coverage through Ubuntu Pro.

Key Differences Between Ubuntu Interim and LTS Releases

Release Cycle and Support Period

Ubuntu follows a six-month release cycle, with new versions normally arriving in April and October. Interim releases receive updates for nine months, which means users need to move to a newer supported release regularly to continue receiving updates.

An LTS (Long Term Support) version is released every two years and receives five years of standard security maintenance. This longer lifecycle reduces the need for frequent major operating-system upgrades and makes it easier to plan long-term deployments.

choose an interim release if you are comfortable upgrading regularly, or LTS if you prefer a longer support period with fewer major upgrades.

Kernel, Drivers and Hardware Support

Ubuntu interim releases generally include newer Linux kernels and drivers sooner, which can be useful when running recently released processors, graphics cards, network adapters and other hardware. This gives users earlier access to improvements and support added in newer kernel versions.

LTS releases start with a more established kernel base but can receive updated hardware support during their lifecycle. This allows LTS users to benefit from support for newer hardware without necessarily moving to an interim release.

interim releases provide newer hardware support sooner, while LTS offers a longer-term platform that can gain updated hardware support over time.

Software and Developer Tools

Ubuntu interim releases generally include newer versions of programming languages, compilers, runtimes, libraries and desktop applications. This can be useful for developers who want access to recent software features or need newer tools for development and testing.

LTS releases use a more consistent software base throughout their lifecycle. While some included packages may not be the latest versions, this approach can make it easier to maintain application compatibility and manage long-running systems.

interim releases are better suited to users who want newer software sooner, while LTS provides a more consistent base for long-term use.

Application and Control-Panel Compatibility

Before choosing or upgrading an Ubuntu release, check that the software you depend on supports that version. Hosting control panels, commercial applications, databases and programming runtimes may support only specific Ubuntu releases, with LTS versions commonly preferred for longer-term compatibility.

You should also review any third-party repositories and PPAs in use, as they may not be ready for a newly released Ubuntu version. Checking compatibility in advance can help prevent installation problems or application issues after an operating-system upgrade.

choose an Ubuntu release that is supported by your control panel, applications and software dependencies before installing or upgrading.

Security Coverage

Both Ubuntu interim and LTS releases receive security updates while they remain within their supported lifecycle. The main difference is how long that support lasts: interim releases receive updates for nine months, while LTS releases receive five years of standard security maintenance.

Once an Ubuntu release reaches end of life, it no longer receives regular security updates. Users should upgrade to a supported release to keep their systems protected. Eligible LTS releases can also receive extended security coverage through Ubuntu Pro after the standard maintenance period.

 LTS is the better choice when you need security maintenance for a longer period without frequent operating-system upgrades.

Which Ubuntu Release Is Better for Desktop Use?

Both interim and LTS releases can work well on desktop computers. The better choice depends on whether you prefer getting newer features sooner or keeping the same Ubuntu version for a longer period.

Choose an Interim Release If:

✓ You want the latest GNOME desktop features and improvements.
✓ You have very recent hardware that may benefit from newer kernels and drivers.
✓ You need newer development tools or software versions.
✓ You are comfortable upgrading Ubuntu regularly and handling possible compatibility changes.

Choose an LTS Release If:

✓ You use your computer for everyday work and want a consistent environment.
✓ Software compatibility is more important than receiving every new feature.
✓ You want to keep the same Ubuntu release for several years.
✓ You prefer fewer major operating-system upgrades.

For most everyday desktop users, Ubuntu LTS is the simpler long-term choice, while an interim release is better for users who want newer features and are comfortable upgrading more regularly.

Which Ubuntu Release Is Better for VPS and Dedicated Servers?

For most VPS and dedicated server deployments, Ubuntu LTS is generally the practical choice. Its longer support lifecycle and fewer major release upgrades make it easier to maintain applications and plan server updates over several years.

Choose Ubuntu LTS For:

✓ Web hosting and databases – A consistent operating-system base helps with long-term application and database management.

✓ Business applications and SaaS platforms – Longer support is useful for services expected to remain online for several years.

✓ Production APIs and mail servers – LTS reduces the need for frequent operating-system release upgrades on important services.

✓ Containers and virtual machines – A longer-supported host operating system can simplify infrastructure maintenance.

✓ Backup and storage systems – These systems generally benefit more from long-term support than frequent feature changes.

✓ Long-running VPS and dedicated servers – LTS is well suited to servers that are expected to remain in production for an extended period.

When an Interim Release May Make Sense

An interim release can be useful for development servers, temporary cloud instances, compatibility testing and testing upcoming software stacks. It may also suit workloads that specifically require a newer kernel or development toolchain.

Because interim releases receive only nine months of support, they are better suited to server environments where regular operating-system upgrades are already part of the maintenance plan.

For most production VPS and dedicated servers, Ubuntu LTS is the recommended choice, while interim releases are better suited to short-term, development or specialized workloads that benefit from newer software.

Before Upgrading Ubuntu

Whether you are moving to a newer interim release or upgrading from one LTS version to the next, a little preparation can reduce the risk of downtime or unexpected problems.

✓ Review the release notes – Check for known issues and important changes that may affect your system.

✓ Update your current system – Install available updates before starting the release upgrade.

✓ Check available disk space – Make sure there is enough free storage for downloading and installing the new packages.

✓ Back up important data and configurations – Keep a current backup that can be restored if the upgrade does not go as planned.

✓ Test important systems first – For production servers, test the upgrade in a staging or similar environment when possible.

✓ Plan for downtime – A release upgrade may require a reboot or temporary service interruption, so schedule it at an appropriate time.

✓ Have a recovery plan – Make sure you know how to restore your data or recover the server if the upgrade fails.

For an important VPS or dedicated server, plan and test the upgrade before making changes to the production system.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on what you need from your system. Ubuntu LTS is a practical choice for production servers, business applications, hosting environments and users who prefer a longer support lifecycle with fewer major upgrades.

An Ubuntu interim release may be a better fit when you need newer kernels, drivers, desktop features or development tools and are comfortable upgrading within the nine-month support period.

Neither option is better for every situation. Choose the release that best matches your software requirements, hardware needs and upgrade plans.

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