Definition
Wayland is a display-server protocol for Linux and other Unix-like systems, designed for modern compositors, multi-monitor layouts, and GPU-driven desktops. It replaces the legacy X11 session model for many desktop environments.
Key Points
- 2026-10-14: kde Plasma 6.8 drops native X11 login sessions; legacy X11 apps run via XWayland (2026-10-15-kde-plasma-6-8-x11-farewell)
- Plasma 6.7 remains the last KDE release with an X11 session (supported into early 2027); Plasma 6.6 LTS retains X11 until early 2029
- KDE cites >95% Wayland usage among tracked Plasma users ahead of the cutover