The State of the Linux Desktop in 2024: Predictions and Expectations

TLDRIn 2024, expect X.org to be deprecated and more distributions to announce the end of support for X11. There will be improvements in open-source drivers for NVIDIA GPUs, making Linux gaming more accessible. The Linux desktop market share will continue to grow, with more people turning to Linux as an alternative to Windows. However, packaging formats like Flatpak and Snap will still coexist and there won't be significant changes in app support for big-name applications.

Key insights

🔮X.org will be even more deprecated in 2024, with more distributions and desktops announcing the end of support for X11.

🎮Improvements in open-source drivers for NVIDIA GPUs will make Linux gaming more accessible and enjoyable.

📈The Linux desktop market share will continue to grow, with more people choosing Linux as an alternative to Windows 11.

📦Packaging formats like Flatpak and Snap will still coexist, and there won't be significant changes in app support for big-name applications, such as Office or Adobe Suite.

🕹️2024 won't be the year where all popular games are available on Linux, but Linux gaming market share will rise with the introduction of the Steam Deck.

Q&A

Will all Linux distributions abandon X11 in 2024?

—While X11 will be deprecated by more distributions in 2024, not all Linux distributions will immediately abandon it. However, many will announce the end of support for X11 in the near future.

Will Linux gaming improve in 2024?

—Yes, improvements in open-source drivers for NVIDIA GPUs and the introduction of the Steam Deck will make Linux gaming more accessible and enjoyable. However, not all popular games will be available on Linux in 2024.

Will Linux desktop market share continue to grow?

—Yes, the Linux desktop market share is expected to grow in 2024, with more people choosing Linux as an alternative to Windows 11. However, the market share is still relatively small compared to Windows and macOS.

Will popular applications like Office or Adobe Suite be available on Linux?

—There won't be significant changes in app support for big-name applications in 2024. Porting and supporting these applications for Linux requires significant effort and the potential revenue from supporting Linux is still relatively low.

Will Flatpak and Snap packaging formats coexist?

—Yes, Flatpak and Snap will continue to coexist as packaging formats in 2024. While there may be improvements in both formats, there won't be a unified solution for a third-party developer to target.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Intro and overview of the Linux desktop state at the end of 2023.

02:48Prediction: X.org will be more deprecated in 2024, with more distributions and desktops announcing the end of support for X11.

04:44Prediction: Improvements in open-source drivers for NVIDIA GPUs will make Linux gaming more accessible and enjoyable.

08:07Prediction: The Linux desktop market share will continue to grow in 2024, with more people choosing Linux as an alternative to Windows 11.

11:02Prediction: Packaging formats like Flatpak and Snap will still coexist, and there won't be significant changes in app support for big-name applications.

13:04Prediction: Linux gaming market share will rise with the introduction of the Steam Deck, but not all popular games will be available on Linux in 2024.

13:47Conclusion and final thoughts on the state of the Linux desktop in 2024.

Browse more