elementary OS 8.1 was released today, December 24, 2025. This update introduces Wayland as the default display server for new installations, marking a significant shift for the distribution. It also adds official support for ARM64 architectures, expanding hardware compatibility. The release is based on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS and integrates the Linux 6.14 kernel. Users will find new applications, updated animations, and general user interface refinements aimed at providing a more modern and performant desktop experience.