Ubuntu is set to significantly update its core desktop experience by replacing several long-standing default applications in its upcoming 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” release, aiming for a more modern and integrated interface.
The forthcoming Long Term Support version will introduce Showtime as the new standard media player, taking over from the veteran Totem. For system monitoring, the GNOME System Watcher will be deactivated, with Resources stepping in to manage processes and hardware observation.
Jean Baptiste Lallement of Canonical stated the change is driven by “the provision of modern and easy-to-use standard definitions that integrate naturally into the desktop environment.” Both new applications are built with GTK4 and libadwaita technologies, ensuring a more cohesive design within the Ubuntu desktop.
A key factor in selecting Resources was its “superior accessibility support,” a critical consideration for an LTS release. This choice underscores Ubuntu’s commitment to adhering to accessibility standards.
Totem, which has served as Ubuntu’s media player since 2004, is considered outdated, despite remaining functional. Showtime, a popular application since GNOME 49, offers a more engaging interface.
Resources, a community-developed tool rather than an official GNOME Core application, provides detailed hardware usage information and effectively manages running applications through its robust structure.
The Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” release is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
For users who prefer traditional tools, Totem and GNOME System Monitor will still be available for download from Ubuntu’s repositories. Users upgrading from previous versions will not have their existing applications removed, as the new defaults will be added alongside them.