Why TUXEDO Abandoned Ubuntu for Debian: Snap as the Trigger and the Rise of Continuous Debian

Background: TUXEDO’s Ubuntu‑based OS

TUXEDO Computers, a German vendor of Linux‑preinstalled laptops, has historically built its own TUXEDO OS on top of Ubuntu LTS, adding a custom kernel, drivers, browsers, and KDE desktop.

Why TUXEDO is leaving Ubuntu

1. Aging Ubuntu LTS base

Ubuntu LTS updates only every two years, while desktop software evolves rapidly; newer libraries required by recent KDE, browsers, and drivers are often missing or too old in the Ubuntu 24.04 base, forcing TUXEDO to write increasingly burdensome compatibility patches.

2. Snap’s forced adoption

Canonical has been pushing Snap packages aggressively—binding Firefox to Snap, requiring apps to be distributed as Snap, and imposing sandboxing and slower startup. TUXEDO described this as a key factor in its decision.

3. Reducing dependence on Canonical

Beyond Snap, TUXEDO wants to lessen reliance on Canonical’s opaque AI features (e.g., the Myna voice assistant) and other non‑transparent components.

"LTS too old + Snap too domineering + want to avoid Canonical control" – the three‑fold reason for the switch.

“Continuous Debian”: the new strategy

TUXEDO’s new approach, called “Continuous Debian”, replaces the static Ubuntu LTS foundation with a rolling Debian Testing base.

Base : Debian Testing (rolling)

Kernel updates : Direct tracking of Debian Testing kernel via linux-tuxedo Desktop software : Latest Debian packages plus custom patches

Update philosophy : Continuous rolling with snapshot‑rollback safety net

Key configuration of the public test ISO

Desktop environment : KDE Plasma 6.7.2 + Frameworks 6.26 + Qt 6.10.2

Graphics platform : Wayland default

File system : Btrfs default (ISO installer, WebFAI, factory)

Kernel : TUXEDO‑custom Linux 7.1.6.2

Packages : No snapd; native .deb + Flatpak

Pre‑installed apps : Dolphin, Konsole, Firefox, Thunderbird, KDE Discover

Rollback capability

With Btrfs as the default, Snapper automatically creates a snapshot before each install or update; users can boot a previous snapshot from the GRUB menu to recover from failures.

Direct kernel tracking

The linux-tuxedo kernel follows Debian Testing releases, eliminating the six‑month Ubuntu HWE cycle and adding five performance tweaks and three hardware bug fixes for the Intel InfinityBook Pro Gen8.

Migration path for existing users

Bad news

There is no reliable, safe in‑place upgrade from the Ubuntu‑based TUXEDO OS to the new Debian version; a fresh installation is required.

Fallback

The legacy Ubuntu‑based TUXEDO OS will receive regular support until mid‑2027 and security updates for critical components until 2029, with a planned migration route to Kubuntu 26.04 for users who wish to stay on Ubuntu.

Other vendors leaving Ubuntu

Linux Mint – offers LMDE (Debian‑based) alongside Ubuntu

Pop!_OS (System76) – originated from Ubuntu, now developing its own COSMIC desktop

elementary OS – Ubuntu‑based but building its own AppCenter

TUXEDO OS – fully switched to Debian Testing

What this means for Ubuntu users

Snap controversy persists

Snap remains a divisive topic, yet Ubuntu’s install base continues to grow, especially on WSL and servers.

TUXEDO’s move is an engineering choice, not a sign of Ubuntu decline

For niche hardware vendors needing rapid hardware support and full control, a rolling release is sensible; Ubuntu 26.04 LTS remains one of the most widely installed desktop distributions.

Ubuntu’s short‑term roadmap

Canonical plans to continue AI features such as Myna and to strengthen Snap; the distribution’s direction will not change because of a single vendor’s departure.

Conclusion

The split reflects a fundamental tension between the stability of LTS releases and the desire for cutting‑edge hardware support; there is no perfect distro, only the one that matches your priorities.