# Alfred Linux — Kernel Upgrade Roadmap

## Executive Summary
Alfred Linux currently runs on Debian Bookworm with kernel 6.1.0-44 (LTS). This roadmap evaluates upgrading to kernel 6.12 LTS for improved hardware support (WiFi 6E/7, GPU, NVMe, USB4/Thunderbolt). Recommended approach: phased testing starting with backports, followed by selective custom builds if needed.

---

## 1. Current 6.1 LTS Timeline & EOL

| Item | Detail |
|------|--------|
| **Kernel 6.1 Release** | December 11, 2022 |
| **Expected EOL** | December 2027 (5 years) |
| **Bookworm Standard EOF** | June 10, 2026 (3 years) |
| **Bookworm LTS Support** | Until June 30, 2028 (5 years total) |

**No immediate urgency** — 6.1 is stable and maintained. Migration needed by 2027+ for newer Debian releases.

---

## 2. Kernel 6.12 LTS Availability

| Kernel | Release | LTS EOL | Bookworm Status | Trixie Status |
|--------|---------|---------|-----------------|---------------|
| 6.1 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2027 | **Stable** | Backports |
| 6.6 | Oct 2023 | Dec 2027 | Backports | Stable |
| 6.12 | Nov 2024 | Dec 2028 | **Not available** | Unstable/Early |

### Availability Options
1. **Debian Backports** (recommended) — Expected Q4 2026
2. **Bookworm-Backports-Sloppy** — High risk, breaks upgrade path
3. **Custom Build from Source** — Fallback if backports delayed
4. **Wait for Trixie** — Alfred Linux v3.0+ on new base

---

## 3. Hardware Improvements 6.6 → 6.12

### WiFi & Bluetooth
- WiFi 6E stable from 6.8+, WiFi 7 growing from 6.10+
- Bluetooth 5.4+ support, LE Audio codecs stable in 6.12

### GPU
- AMDGPU RDNA3 excellent from 6.10+
- Intel Arc improving steadily
- Nouveau Ada architecture prep in 6.12

### Storage
- NVMe 2.0 optimized, PCIe 5.0 improved from 6.10
- Boot times 5–15% faster on high-end SSDs

### USB4 & Thunderbolt
- Docking stations, multi-monitor, hot-plug stable from 6.8+
- USB-C PD negotiation more reliable

---

## 4. Risks

| Risk | Severity | Mitigation |
|------|----------|------------|
| DKMS modules fail to compile | HIGH | Pre-test in container |
| Out-of-tree modules (ZFS, proprietary WiFi) fail | HIGH | Test with Debian source |
| live-build kernel package selection | HIGH | Custom build or wait for backports |
| Initramfs hooks missing | MEDIUM | Verify initramfs-tools compatibility |
| Kernel naming (vmlinuz-* globs) | MEDIUM | Apply same hooks from RC3 fix |

---

## 5. Recommended Phases

### Phase 1: Monitor (Apr–Sep 2026)
- Track `apt search linux-image-6.12` monthly
- Continue RC releases with 6.1 LTS
- Keep 6.1 as production default

### Phase 2: Backports Testing (Q4 2026–Q1 2027)
```bash
apt install -t bookworm-backports linux-image-amd64 linux-headers-amd64
```
Validate: WiFi, GPU, NVMe, USB-C/Thunderbolt, Calamares installer

### Phase 3: Custom Build (Fallback, only if needed Q1 2027)
- Download kernel source from kernel.org
- Build .deb packages with Debian scripts
- Integrate into build-unified.sh

### Phase 4: Release Alfred Linux v2.1+
**Criteria to flip:**
- ✅ Backports available OR custom build tested
- ✅ DKMS modules compile cleanly
- ✅ ISO boots on 3+ hardware profiles
- ✅ No regressions vs 6.1
- ✅ Documented with hardware caveats

---

## 6. Timeline

| Phase | Period | Action |
|-------|--------|--------|
| Monitor | Apr–Sep 2026 | Track backports; keep 6.1 default |
| Test | Oct 2026–Jan 2027 | Test 6.12 in labs |
| Custom Build | Feb–Apr 2027 | Fallback if backports unavailable |
| RC Release | May–Jun 2027 | Ship RC with 6.12 |
| Final | Jul 2027+ | Alfred Linux v2.1 or v3.0 |

---

## 7. Upgrade Path

```
Alfred Linux v2.x → Bookworm + kernel 6.1 LTS (until June 2028)
Alfred Linux v2.1 → Bookworm + kernel 6.12 backports (Q4 2026+)
Alfred Linux v3.0 → Trixie + kernel 6.6+ (2027+)
```

---

**Status:** Ready for Phase 1 monitoring | Updated: April 6, 2026