Ubuntu Server is one of the most widely used Linux server distributions out there.
Whether you’re spinning up cloud instances or managing a homelab, chances are you’ve interacted with it.
But with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on the horizon (scheduled for release in April 2026), the Ubuntu team is taking a closer look at some long-standing defaults.
Some of these changes are already being baked into Ubuntu 25.10, the interim release planned for October 2025. The idea? Test now, lock things down for the next big long-term support (LTS) version.
So what’s on the table? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Tmux vs. Screen
For years, Ubuntu Server has shipped with both tmux and screen — two powerful terminal multiplexers that let you manage multiple shell sessions from a single terminal window.
But most developers agree: tmux is the modern favorite. It’s actively maintained, plays nicer with scripting, and offers a more intuitive experience once you get the hang of it.
That’s why, starting with Ubuntu Server 25.10, tmux is expected to become the default terminal multiplexer. You’ll still be able to install screen if you prefer it, but tmux will be the recommended option.
Saying Goodbye to Byobu?
Another tool that’s getting re-evaluated is Byobu, a terminal window manager built on top of tmux and screen. It provides some convenient status bars and window management shortcuts, especially for those who are new to terminal multiplexers.
However, Byobu hasn’t seen much upstream development lately, and it no longer fits neatly into Ubuntu’s future plans.
See also: Mastering the Linux Command Line — Your Complete Free Training Guide
That’s why Ubuntu 25.10 will likely move Byobu into the “universe” repository, which means it will still be available, but no longer officially part of the core Ubuntu Server experience.
It’s not a full removal, but it’s a signal that Byobu’s role is winding down.
Curl vs. Wget: The Command Line Download Debate
If you’ve ever downloaded a file from the command line, you’ve probably used either wget or curl.
Both tools are great. But over time, curl has become the more versatile option. It supports a wider range of protocols and is often used in APIs, containers, and CI/CD pipelines.
That’s why the Ubuntu team is considering making curl the default download tool in Ubuntu Server — eventually phasing out wget as a pre-installed tool.
To be clear, this won’t happen right away. The earliest this could land is Ubuntu 26.10 (after the LTS), since many scripts and tools still expect wget to be available. But it’s a change that’s definitely on the radar.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re building on Ubuntu Server or managing deployments at scale, it’s worth keeping an eye on these decisions — especially as the 26.04 LTS release approaches.
The Ubuntu team has been discussing these updates on Ubuntu Discourse, where you can follow along and weigh in if you’re interested.
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