Get ready for a brand new Linux experience with the forthcoming launch of Linux 6.3! As the Linux dev team prepares to debut the stable version of Linux 6.2 today, we can also look forward to all the exciting Intel changes set to be revealed in this next major release. Our team has been monitoring every “-next” branch and other related changes, so keep your eyes peeled for some amazing updates!
After the launch of Linux 6.2, it is announced that its succeeding version – Linux 6.3- is officially open for merging! This new kernel release will include optimization and enablement for Meteor Lake CPUs as well as Emerald Rapids and Granite Rapids server processors with a host of other features, including Habana Labs support and beyond. Expect this cutting-edge stable release in April 2023!

As Intel commences its preparations for the upcoming platform, it is a sign that the DG3/Battlemage Linux driver will soon be enabled. Patches are likely to start rolling in over multiple kernel cycles and build up until full enablement occurs.
For the first time, Intel Meteor Lake VPU can be supported through a new driver. This “Versatile Processing Unit” block is now available for all users with Meteor Lake processors to use. Not only does this driver make work easier, but it also provides access to the revolutionary accel subsystem that no other drivers offered before!
Habana Labs AI driver, developed by Intel, is being repositioned within the accel subsystem in order to continue its development. Gaudi2 work and other related tasks on this particular AI driver will also be conducted. With these new changes, Habana’s potential can reach greater heights!
Intel’s Granite Rapids platform is now augmented with EDAC enablement for 12 DDR5 memory channels, as well as Intel DRM driver support that enables HF-EEODB to fulfill HDMI 2.1 compliance requirements. Moreover, the upcoming FRED-capable Intel CPUs will have the full support of the LKGS instruction set.
Intel engineers have been diligently working on developing Direct Rendering Manager infrastructure support for Meteor Lake, and their hard work has begun to pay off! With Linux kernel 6.3 now released, Intel’s meteor lake display support is officially active – lighting up monitors that utilize it.
Intel’s i915 driver is now ready to support Intel’s forthcoming Data Center GPU Max Series “Ponte Vecchio” hardware, equipped with the newest DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (DP MST) and Display Stream Compression (DSC).
Intel constantly upgrades its device abilities with Emerald Rapids and Granite Rapids. To supersede Sapphire Rapids, they have added a series of modernized device IDs to make it even more efficient.
Marking the end of Linux 6.2’s merge window, Lunar Lake’s first CPU model ID was integrated – meaning that over the upcoming weeks and months, you can expect to see platform enablement for this revolutionary technology in their upstream kernel!