Top 10 New Features in RHEL 10 [2025 Update]

Table of Contents

• Feature 1: RHEL Lightspeed AI Assistance
• Feature 2: Image Mode for Immutable Deployments
• Feature 3: Post-Quantum Cryptography
• Feature 4: Enhanced System Roles
• Feature 5: Optimized Cloud Integration
• Feature 6: Improved RHEL Web Console
• Feature 7: Red Hat Insights Planning
• Feature 8: Expanded Hardware Support with RISC-V
• Feature 9: Updated Kernel and Toolchain
• Feature 10: Security Select Add-On
• Summary Table of Top Features
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Feature 1: RHEL Lightspeed AI Assistance

One of the most exciting additions to RHEL 10 is RHEL Lightspeed, an AI-powered tool that's like having a smart assistant right in your command line. Imagine you're troubleshooting why a service like SSH isn't starting – instead of digging through manuals, you can just ask Lightspeed in plain English, and it gives you step-by-step advice. For example, it might suggest checking permissions on a directory, creating it if needed, and restarting the service. This draws from years of Red Hat expertise, making it super helpful for beginners who might not know all the Linux commands yet.

But it's not just for troubleshooting. Lightspeed integrates with Red Hat Insights to help with image building – it looks at the packages you've chosen and suggests others that might fit well, saving you time. If you're new to Linux, this means less trial and error. For pros, it speeds up workflows in big environments where managing hundreds of systems is a daily task. In a world where AI is everywhere, this feature makes RHEL more accessible without dumbing it down. It's like ChatGPT but tailored specifically for Linux admins, reducing errors and boosting productivity. Overall, Lightspeed could cut down on the time spent on routine tasks, letting teams focus on innovation. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Linux configs, this is a game-changer.

Think about a small business setting up their first server – Lightspeed guides them through, explaining terms like "permissions" along the way. Or in a large enterprise, it helps standardize responses to common issues. Red Hat says it's built on decades of knowledge, so it's reliable. I love how it bridges the gap between novice users and complex systems.

Feature 2: Image Mode for Immutable Deployments

Next up is Image Mode, which changes how you deploy and manage your OS. In simple terms, it treats the operating system like a sealed package – immutable means the core files don't change while running. To update, you build a new image and reboot, kind of like how Docker containers work. This prevents "configuration drift," where systems slowly become different over time due to tweaks and patches, leading to inconsistencies.

For beginners, think of it as baking a cake: Once it's done, you don't mess with the recipe mid-bake. Image Mode makes deployments consistent across clouds, VMs, or physical hardware. It's great for large-scale setups, like in cloud environments, where you want every instance to be identical. Benefits include easier security scans since everything's predictable, and faster rollouts because you can test one image and deploy everywhere.

In practice, this means less downtime and fewer surprises. If you're managing a fleet of servers, Image Mode simplifies patching – no more worrying about live updates breaking things. Red Hat has tools in Insights to help transition to this mode, recommending packages and planning. It's a forward-thinking feature that aligns with modern DevOps practices, where automation is key. Even if you're just starting with Linux, this makes scaling up less scary.

Feature 3: Post-Quantum Cryptography

Security gets a futuristic boost with post-quantum cryptography in RHEL 10. Quantum computers, which are still emerging, could one day break current encryption methods. Post-quantum crypto uses new algorithms that resist these threats, ensuring your data stays safe long-term. RHEL 10 includes these for key exchanges, with more coming in updates.

Why does this matter? In industries like finance or government, where data must be protected for decades, this is crucial. It's FIPS-compliant, meaning it meets strict standards for secure systems. For everyday users, it means RHEL is prepared for tomorrow's tech challenges without you having to do extra work.

Explained simply: Encryption is like a lock on your data. Quantum computers might pick old locks easily, so Red Hat is giving you a super-strong new one. This feature positions RHEL as a leader in secure Linux distributions, especially for hybrid cloud setups where data moves around a lot. If security keeps you up at night, this is reassuring.

Feature 4: Enhanced System Roles

RHEL 10 beefs up its system roles, which are like pre-built recipes for configuring common tasks. New ones include AIDE for intrusion detection – it checks if files have been tampered with. Updates to Podman (for containers) now support pods via Quadlet, making it easier to group containers.

Systemd roles now handle user units too, not just system-wide. For beginners, system roles mean you don't have to write scripts from scratch; Ansible playbooks do the heavy lifting. This saves time and reduces mistakes in large environments.

Imagine setting up security monitoring across multiple machines – with the AIDE role, it's automated. Podman enhancements help with container orchestration, which is big for app development. These roles make RHEL more manageable, especially for teams without deep expertise.

Feature 5: Optimized Cloud Integration

RHEL 10 shines in the cloud with pre-tuned images for AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and more. These are ready-to-run, integrated with each provider's tools for better performance and security.

Features like secure boot and image attestation ensure your setups are trustworthy. For hybrid clouds (mix of on-prem and cloud), this consistency is gold. Beginners can launch instances without tweaking configs, while pros appreciate the visibility from cloud dashboards.

This makes migrating to cloud smoother, reducing costs and complexity. If you're building AI apps or web services, these optimizations mean faster deployment and less hassle.

Feature 6: Improved RHEL Web Console

The web console, a graphical interface for managing RHEL, gets upgrades in version 10. Now it supports remote systems without extra packages, has a built-in text editor for files, and manages storage limits with Stratis.

It also handles high availability add-ons. For those new to Linux, this GUI makes tasks like monitoring performance or editing configs point-and-click easy, no command line needed.

It's unifying the experience across setups, which is great for mixed environments. If you've used it before, these tweaks make it even more powerful for daily ops.

Feature 7: Red Hat Insights Planning

Insights now includes planning tools for RHEL lifecycles, showing upcoming releases and deprecations. This helps sysadmins prepare, avoiding surprises.

Tailored views of your systems let you make changes at build time, cutting costs. For beginners, it's like a roadmap that prevents getting stuck with outdated software.

In big orgs, this centralizes info, freeing time for innovation. It's a proactive approach to management.

Feature 8: Expanded Hardware Support with RISC-V

RHEL 10 adds a developer preview for RISC-V, an open architecture that's gaining traction. It also supports 64-bit ARM, IBM Power, and Z.

This broadens where RHEL can run, from edge devices to mainframes. For innovators, RISC-V means custom hardware without proprietary limits.

Beginners might not notice, but it future-proofs investments in diverse hardware.

Feature 9: Updated Kernel and Toolchain

The heart of RHEL 10 is kernel 6.12, with GCC 14.2, Python 3.12, and more. These updates bring better performance, new features, and compatibility.

For developers, newer tools mean building modern apps easily. Kernel improvements handle hardware better, like faster networking.

This keeps RHEL current, essential for long-term support.

Feature 10: Security Select Add-On

Coming in Q3 2025, this add-on lets you pick specific security fixes for CVEs. Ideal for regulated industries needing tailored patches.

It separates fixes from certifications, streamlining compliance. For security-focused users, this customization is key.

Summary Table of Top Features

Conclusion

Wrapping up, RHEL 10 in 2025 brings a mix of AI smarts, security foresight, and management ease that sets it apart. From Lightspeed's helpful AI to image mode's stability and quantum-ready crypto, these top 10 features cater to today's needs while eyeing the future. Whether you're a beginner or expert, they make Linux more approachable and powerful. If you're on older versions, consider upgrading – the benefits in productivity and peace of mind are worth it. Thanks for reading; drop your thoughts in the comments!

FAQs

What is RHEL Lightspeed?

RHEL Lightspeed is an AI tool that provides guidance via the command line, helping with tasks like troubleshooting in plain language.

How does Image Mode work in RHEL 10?

Image Mode deploys the OS as an immutable image, allowing updates by rebuilding and rebooting for consistency.

Why is post-quantum cryptography important?

It protects against future quantum computer attacks on encryption, ensuring long-term data security.

What are system roles in RHEL?

System roles are automated configurations for common tasks, like setting up intrusion detection or containers.

Which clouds are optimized in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 has pre-tuned images for AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and others for better integration.

What improvements are in the RHEL Web Console?

Enhancements include remote management, a text editor, and support for storage limits and high availability.

What does Red Hat Insights Planning offer?

It provides roadmaps for RHEL releases and deprecations to help with planning and cost reduction.

What new hardware does RHEL 10 support?

It includes a RISC-V developer preview, plus ongoing support for ARM, IBM Power, and Z.

What kernel version is in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 uses Linux kernel 6.12 for better performance and features.

When is the Security Select Add-On available?

It's launching in Q3 2025 for subscribers needing custom CVE fixes.

Is RHEL 10 good for beginners?

Yes, features like Lightspeed and the web console make it more user-friendly.

What Python version comes with RHEL 10?

Python 3.12 is included, with modern features for developers.

Does RHEL 10 support containers?

Yes, with updated Podman 5.0 and system roles for easier management.

What is deprecated in RHEL 10?

Things like X11 and SysV init scripts are removed in favor of modern alternatives.

How long is RHEL 10 supported?

Full support until 2030, maintenance until 2035.

Can I try RHEL 10 for free?

Yes, there's a 60-day evaluation available from Red Hat.

What is RISC-V in RHEL 10?

It's a new open architecture support in preview mode for developers.

How does AI fit into RHEL 10?

Through Lightspeed for admin help and foundational support for AI workloads.

What is the release date of RHEL 10?

May 20, 2025.

Why upgrade to RHEL 10?

For new features like AI assistance, better security, and cloud optimizations.