Ubuntu 19.04, codenamed Disco Dingo, was a regular Ubuntu release launched on April 18, 2019. Arriving between Ubuntu 18.10 and Ubuntu 19.10, it focused on improving desktop performance while bringing newer Linux technologies to users who did not want to wait for the next Long Term Support release. The release shipped with the Linux 5.0 kernel and GNOME 3.32, along with updates to Ubuntu’s visual design, hardware compatibility, development tools, and display scaling.
It also introduced improvements for HiDPI screens and smoother desktop animations, making the Ubuntu experience feel more responsive than previous versions. Although Ubuntu 19.04 had only a nine-month support period, it was an important stepping stone toward later releases, particularly Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Today, however, Disco Dingo is a discontinued version and should not be used as a new installation because it no longer receives security updates.
What Were the Main Features of Ubuntu 19.04?
The biggest technical change in Ubuntu 19.04 was the move to the Linux 5.0 kernel. This brought improved support for newer hardware, including AMD graphics technologies, newer Radeon hardware, initial support for 802.11ax Wi-Fi, and other kernel-level improvements. Ubuntu 19.04 also included Mesa 19.0 and an updated graphics stack, making the release particularly relevant for users running newer PCs.
The desktop experience received an equally important update through GNOME 3.32. Ubuntu reported smoother startup animations, faster icon loading, and reduced CPU and GPU usage, while fractional scaling for HiDPI displays became available through Xorg and Wayland. Ubuntu also continued refining its Yaru theme and overall desktop presentation.
Ubuntu 19.04 also brought updates for developers and system administrators, including GCC 8.3, glibc 2.29, OpenSSL 1.1.1b, and other refreshed software components. Ubuntu Server 19.04 incorporated newer versions of major infrastructure technologies, including OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Ceph. These changes made Disco Dingo more than a cosmetic desktop refresh.
One important limitation was its short support cycle. Ubuntu 19.04 reached end of life on January 23, 2020, meaning it stopped receiving package and security updates. It remains useful for understanding Ubuntu’s development history, but users looking for a modern Linux operating system should choose a currently supported Ubuntu release instead.