Ahead of the first point version release of the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS series, the Ubuntu team has announced new point releases for both Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and 18.04 LTS series. Ubuntu 16.04.7 and Ubuntu 18.04.5 are the latest point versions with long-term support.
Similar to the 16.04.6 point release, 16.04.7 is a security-targeted release for the purpose of providing updated installation media which protects new installations from the recently discovered GRUB 2 vulnerabilities.
Ubuntu 16.04.7 doesn’t bring any new hardware enablement stack. It is strictly focused on shipping the latest security package updates and other fixes in the respun ISOs. Community flavors of Ubuntu 16.04 have already reached their end of life.
Ubuntu 18.04.5 brings an updated hardware enablement stack from Ubuntu 20.04 so it works gracefully on newer hardware platforms. The Ubuntu 18.04.5 LTS desktop version will use the new stack by default while other architectures have it available. Ubuntu 18.04.5 Server defaults to the older kernel but can be easily switched to the newer HWE kernel.
New 18.04.5 media is available for most community editions of Ubuntu. However just Ubuntu and Ubuntu Kylin have updated 16.04.7 media. This version is no longer covered under the three years of support most community editions offer.
Canonical will provide 5 years of support for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Cloud, and Base until 2023 for 18.04.5 and 2021 for 16.04.7. However, all the remaining Ubuntu flavors will be supported for 3 years.
Further information can be found in the release announcements for 16.04.7 and 18.04.5.
