Preparing for KDE Plasma’s Last X11-Supported Release

KDE Plasma has confirmed that version 6.8 will be its last to support the X11 display server, with all X11-specific code removed and only Wayland sessions available. This marks the end of a long transition, emphasizing a future built solely on Wayland.

In Plasma 6.8, the login screen will no longer offer an X11 session option, and all X11-specific code paths in Plasma Shell, System Settings, and device configuration will be eliminated. XWayland support remains, allowing users to run X11 applications within Wayland, but native X11 sessions will be phased out.

This change comes after years of gradual transition, with internal metrics indicating over 95% of Plasma 6.6 users now run Wayland, and nearly no development or testing occurs on X11. Plasma 6.7, due for release shortly, will be the last version to include an X11 session, giving users time to adapt.

Why It Matters

This transition represents a major shift for KDE Plasma, aiming to streamline development and unlock new performance and memory efficiencies. It also signals a broader industry move towards Wayland as the future of Linux desktop graphics, potentially affecting compatibility and workflows for users relying on X11-specific tools.

Background

While KDE has supported X11 since its inception, the project has gradually shifted focus to Wayland, which offers better security, performance, and modern features. The move to drop X11 support aligns with industry trends and KDE’s long-term roadmap, which has been publicly discussed for years. The last major release supporting X11 was Plasma 5, with ongoing efforts to improve Wayland support in subsequent versions.

“It’s done when it’s done! We’ve finally reached the point where X11 support will be fully phased out in Plasma 6.8.”

— Martin, KDE developer

“Moving to a single code path through Wayland will enable us to deliver better performance, memory optimization, and new features.”

— KDE development team

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how many users will face issues during the transition, especially those relying on specialized workflows, custom scripts, or hardware configurations that may not yet be fully compatible with Wayland. KDE acknowledges some users might encounter difficulties and is open to feedback, but full resolution timelines are not yet established.

What’s Next

Following the release of Plasma 6.7, users are encouraged to test the Wayland session and report issues. KDE will continue to refine Wayland support, and the community can expect ongoing updates to improve stability and compatibility before the final phase-out of X11 support in Plasma 6.8.

Key Questions

Why is KDE removing X11 support?

KDE aims to focus on Wayland to improve performance, security, and modernize the desktop environment, reducing the complexity of maintaining two code paths.

Will my existing X11 applications continue to work?

Yes, XWayland support remains, allowing X11 applications to run within Wayland sessions.

What should users on older Plasma versions do?

Users on Plasma 5.27 or earlier will not be affected until they upgrade to Plasma 6.8, which will be the last version with X11 support. It’s recommended to test Wayland in Plasma 6.7 and report any issues.

When will X11 support be fully removed?

X11 support will be discontinued in Plasma 6.8, scheduled for release in approximately five months from the announcement.

Are there any risks or known issues during the transition?

Some specialized workflows, custom scripts, or hardware configurations may encounter issues, and KDE is seeking user feedback to address these problems before the final transition.

Source: Hacker News