KDE Plasma 6.4 Beta Released: Key Features, Wayland Upgrades & X11 Deprecation Plans

 

KDE Plasma 6.4 beta is here with Wayland optimizations, X11 deprecation plans, and Aurorae window decorations. Discover why this update matters for Linux users, developers, and enterprises—plus how to test it before the June 2024 release.

The KDE Plasma 6.4 beta is now available for testing, offering a glimpse into the next-generation Linux desktop environment ahead of its official June 2024 release. This update introduces major architectural changes, including X11 deprecation preparations, enhanced Wayland support, and new customization tools—making it a critical update for Linux power users, developers, and enterprise IT teams.

1. Major Changes in Plasma 6.4: X11 Split & Wayland Focus

KWin-X11 Separation: The End of X11 Support Approaches

One of the most significant changes in Plasma 6.4 is the split of KWin-X11 into a standalone package. This move aligns with KDE’s long-term strategy to phase out X11/X.Org in favor of Wayland, which offers:

✔ Better security (no root-level access exploits)
✔ Superior performance (lower latency, smoother rendering)
✔ Modern display protocol support (HDR, variable refresh rate)

🔹 What this means for users:

• X11 will remain available (via KWin-X11) until Plasma 7, but future optimizations will focus on Wayland.

• Developers should test Wayland compatibility to ensure a smooth transition.

Aurorae: A New SVG/QML-Based Window Decoration Engine

Plasma 6.4 introduces Aurorae, a next-gen theme engine for KWin window decorations. Key advantages:

✔ Vector-based (SVG) rendering → Crisper scaling on 4K/HiDPI displays

✔ QML support → Enables animated and interactive window decorations

✔ Lightweight performance → Lower CPU/GPU overhead than legacy engines

🔹 Best for:

• Linux themers who want deeper customization

• Desktop users seeking pixel-perfect UI consistency

2. Performance & Stability Upgrades

Beyond structural changes, Plasma 6.4 delivers critical refinements:
✅ Fewer crashes (memory leak fixes in KWin)

✅ Better HiDPI handling (fractional scaling improvements)

✅ Optimized compositor performance (reduced stuttering in Wayland)

🔹 Who benefits most?

• Gamers (lower input lag in Wayland)

• Productivity users (smoother multi-monitor workflows)

• Enterprise deployments (long-term stability focus)

3. Release Timeline & How to Test

📅 Beta 2: June 29, 2024
📅 Stable Release: June 17, 2024

🔹 Where to download?

• Official ISO via KDE.org

• Rolling-release distros (Arch, openSUSE Tumbleweed) will get updates soon