Framework has announced an expansion of Linux support for its hardware line, confirming that the Framework Laptop 12 will offer pre-built configurations shipping with Fedora KDE 44 alongside new Intel Core Series 3 processors.
Quick Facts
- First Shipping Batch: Scheduled for October 2026.
- Operating System: Fedora KDE 44 pre-installed on pre-builts.
- Processor Options: Intel Core Series 3 (joining existing Core 3, Core 5, and Core 7 configurations).
- Pricing: Pre-built models start at $699 USD; DIY models start at $499 USD.
Linux Integration and Hardware Support
To ensure system stability upon release, Framework supplied hardware units to distributions including CachyOS and Bazzite ahead of launch. According to the company, users will need Linux kernel 7.1 or higher for optimal performance. Additionally, Framework integrated a new fingerprint reader sensor directly into libfprint as part of its ongoing Linux support improvements.
Customer research heavily influenced this software expansion. Framework reported that approximately 80% of Framework Laptop 12 owners run Linux across various distributions.
"The Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop contributors work hard to make the Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop edition the premier KDE experience for users. It's great to see Framework customers have the choice to have it pre-installed," said Jef Spaleta, Fedora Project Lead.
Aleix Pol, President of KDE e.V., noted that the device is the first Framework product to ship with KDE and Plasma software, highlighting that development efforts focused on ensuring the interface works smoothly with touch and pen input.