The elementary OS distribution started as a set of
themes and applications designed for Ubuntu which later became its own Linux distribution. Being Ubuntu-based, it is compatible with its
repositories and packages, and prior to version 0.4 "Loki", it used the Ubuntu
software centre to handle software installation and uninstallation. However, after the release of Loki, Elementary bundled their own app store, AppCenter, elementary OS is based on Ubuntu's Long Term Support releases, which Ubuntu's developers actively maintain for bugs and security for years even as development continues on the next release. elementary OS founder Danielle Foré has said that the project is not designed to compete with existing open source projects, but to expand their reach. It also seeks to create open source jobs through developer "bounties" on specific tasks. As of the 2016 Loki release, 17,500 in bounties had been raised.
0.1 Jupiter The first stable version of elementary OS was
Jupiter, and based on
Ubuntu 10.10.
0.2 Luna In November 2012, the first beta version of elementary OS code-named
Luna was released, which uses
Ubuntu 12.04 LTS as a base. The second beta version of
Luna was released on 6 May 2013, carrying more than 300 bug fixes and several changes, such as improved support for multiple localizations, multiple display support and updated applications. On 7 August 2013, a countdown clock appeared on the official website with a countdown to 10 August 2013. The second stable version of elementary OS,
Luna, was released that same day, along with a complete overhaul and redesign of the elementary OS website.
0.3 Freya The name of the third stable version of elementary OS, Isis, was proposed in August 2013 by Danielle Foré, the project leader. It was later
changed to Freya to avoid association with the terrorist group
ISIS. It is based on
Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, which was released in April 2014. The second beta of Freya was released on 8 February 2015. The final version was released on 11 April 2015, after a countdown clock appeared on the website eight days earlier. Freya was downloaded 1.2 million times. In line with Elementary's intent to expand the reach of open source software, 73 percent of Freya downloads were from closed source operating systems. The elementary OS team has defended the action stating that "Around 99.875% of those users download without paying", and that it is needed to ensure the continued development of the distribution.
0.4 Loki elementary OS 0.4, known by its codename "Loki", was released on 9 September 2016.
5.0 Juno elementary OS 5.0, known by its codename "Juno", was released on 16 October 2018. The shift in version numbering was explained by founder Danielle Foré as being primarily intended to avoid causing confusion among new users into thinking the OS was still in pre-stable development. The update brings changes to the AppCenter pay-what-you-want system, as well a Night Light feature for changing the screen color at night, and adjustable window tiling as well as several other new features for the Pantheon desktop and elementary OS applications. Jack Wallen, writing for
TechRepublic, praised the update for bringing subtle changes and improving upon Loki. Jason Evangelho, writing for
Forbes, called the update elegant, stating that "elementary OS 5.0 Juno, thus far, does just work. And looks absolutely beautiful doing it." In a review from LinuxInsider, the reviewer called the operating system a "very solid Linux distro" despite criticizing it for lacking
power-user features. As of November 2018, Juno has been downloaded over 160,000 times, with 1% of people choosing to pay (with $10 being the most common amount, followed closely by $1) As part of an October 2019 update, elementary OS started supporting
Flatpak out of the box, thereby making it easier to install any of the wide array of Flatpak apps that are available.
5.1 Hera Development of elementary OS 5.1 “Hera” began after the release of elementary OS 5.0 “Juno” and focused on refining the user experience, improving performance, and introducing new features. The development team started by addressing various bugs and stability issues present in the previous version. They put great emphasis on enhancing system performance and optimizing resource usage to ensure a smoother overall experience. One of the key goals of “Hera” was to make elementary OS even more responsive and efficient. In terms of visual improvements, the team refined the existing desktop environment, Pantheon, and its accompanying applications. The design language was further polished, resulting in a more polished and consistent look throughout the system. Several system icons and styles were updated, giving “Hera” a more refined appearance. The Files (formerly known as Nautilus) file manager received attention during development, with improvements in performance and a cleaner interface. Additionally, the team introduced a revamped Applications menu, making it easier to navigate and find installed software.
6.0 Odin elementary OS 6.0, released on 10 August 2021 under the codename "Odin", builds upon 5.1 Hera by including new features like a dark style and the ability to change the accent color, Improved notification handling and a new Notification Center, Online accounts for things like IMAP and CalDAV for email and calendar respectively, Multi-touch Gestures for app switching and multiple desktops, an all new installer, a firmware updates app and more.
6.1 Jólnir elementary 6.1, code name "Jólnir", was released on 20 December 2021.
Change of ownership When 6.0 and 6.1 were released, the pay model wasn't bringing in enough revenue. After legal challenges between the two co-founders, Cassidy James Blaede decided to sell 100% of their shares to Danielle Foré. The CFO, Liz Kecso, also left the company while these issues were happening.
7.0 Horus elementary OS 7.0 "Horus" was released on 31 January 2023. The update focuses on the AppCenter, new features and settings, and the developer platform. This version is based on
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
8.x Circe elementary OS 8.0 "Circe" was released on 26 November 2024. The update introduced improved multitasking, default
Flathub integration, and user interface changes focused on
inclusive design. It is based on
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. On 22 December 2025, elementary OS 8.1 was released. This version transitioned the
Wayland-based "Secure Session" to be the default environment. Key hardware improvements included the introduction of official
ARM64 builds for UEFI devices and support for fractional display scaling. The update also added two new default applications: "Monitor", a system resource utility, and "Maps". Visual refinements featured a "blur-behind" effect for translucent elements like the Dock and notifications, as well as a workspace switcher integrated directly into the Dock. It shipped with Linux kernel 6.14 and Mesa 25.
Summary table ==Notes==