Raspberry Pi OS 2024-10-22 now available with Wayland by default and other changes

Although it won't be visible, the shift from the virtually ancient X Window system (with origins in an MIT project from 1984 and in the current version, 11, since September 1987) to Wayland, which is 16 years old and has received its latest update at the end of May, is a big step forward for any Linux and Unix-like operating system. In this case, Raspberry Pi OS is the piece of code that gets this update. The latest release is 2024-10-22, and all the details can be found in Simon Long's comprehensive news post dated October 28th, accessible via the link in the Source(s) section.

In addition to the major performance leap that comes thanks to Wayland, which now runs by default across all models that use Raspberry Pi Desktop, the new update also brings solid improvements to touchscreen support. This translates to automatic activation and hiding of the virtual keyboard alongside support for right- and double-click actions. The virtual keyboard integrated by Raspberry Pi OS in this new version is Squeekboard.

Raspberry Pi Connect allows users to control a Raspberry Pi from any computer, as long as both are connected to the internet. This new update integrates this remote access software into the desktop. While it comes installed and easily accessible via the taskbar, Raspberry Pi Connect can be easily uninstalled if not needed. 

The list of small changes that still matter also includes an overhauled panel application for the top-screen taskbar, as well as the introduction of the raindrop screen configuration tool, which replaces arandr.

The Raspberry Pi OS images are available on this page, but those who already run a previous version can just upgrade using the sudo apt update and sudo apt full-upgrade commands, as usual.

The Raspberry Pi 5 starter kit Pro by CanaKit, with 128 GB storage, 8 GB RAM, as well as a case with proper cooling, can be currently acquired via Amazon for $159.99.