Linux 7.3-rc6 Released Amid a New “AI Normal” for Kernel Development

Summary

Linux 7.3-rc6 was released as development continued toward the stable Linux 7.3 kernel, with another week focused on bug and regression fixes. The article says AI- and LLM-generated bug reports and patches are contributing to a heavier development cycle and additional small error-path fixes. Notable changes include support for the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race wheel and pedal system, a rollback of Logitech Bolt receiver HID++ support because of user-reported bugs, broader networking fixes, and other driver updates. Linus Torvalds described the overall change set as normal for the current “AI normal,” with driver work spanning graphics, networking, USB, TTY, IIO, and sound, alongside KVM-related architecture updates, SMB client filesystem work, BPF changes, and new self-tests. The annual maintainer summit and Linux Plumbers Conference may alter the next release candidate’s statistics, but Torvalds said the release schedule was unlikely to change.