The upcoming release of Linux 7.1 marks a significant technological leap for the open-source ecosystem. A central highlight is the integration of 'PREEMPT_RT' real-time support into the mainline kernel for the ARM architecture. This move eliminates the need for out-of-tree patches for real-time applications, completing a comprehensive support suite that now spans x86, ARM64, RISC-V, and LoongArch.
Beyond ARM integration, the LoongArch CPU architecture receives substantial enhancements. The update optimizes the handling of CPU vulnerabilities and expands BPF JIT and trampoline features. Additionally, HIGHMEM support has been implemented to improve memory access efficiency for 32-bit usage.
For Intel users, Linux 7.1 introduces specific optimizations targeting Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" systems. Through the x86_energy_perf_policy utility, users can now utilize SoC slider parameters to read and write balance and offset values, allowing for finer control over power efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the Turbostat tool has been updated to provide better module identification and CPU sibling display.
Alongside these functional improvements, the Linux kernel continues to expand at an unprecedented scale. The total source code tree is approaching the 40-million-line milestone. Despite the strategic removal of obsolete network and CPU drivers, the increasing complexity of modern hardware drives this growth; notably, AMD graphics drivers alone now exceed 6 million lines of code.