April 30, 2025 — By Engineering Laptops
The Linux 6.15 kernel continues to evolve with a fresh wave of x86 platform driver updates, bringing key improvements for modern laptops and next-generation processors.
This week’s patchset includes initial support for Intel’s upcoming “Panther Lake” platform, marking a notable step toward compatibility with future Core Ultra chips. Developers have introduced new ACPI device identifiers to the Intel HID driver, laying the groundwork for seamless integration with Panther Lake-based systems once they hit the market.
Gaming laptop users also benefit from the latest changes. Dell’s Alienware m15 R7, which features a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA RTX graphics, is now supported under the Alienware WMI-WMAX thermal driver. This support enables better fan and thermal management on Linux, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance Linux usability on high-performance consumer hardware.
Additionally, Lenovo IdeaPad users can expect improved support for custom keys. The IdeaPad driver now recognizes several new inputs on recent models, including RF kill switches, a microphone mute button, a customizable “star” key, and performance toggles—offering a more refined user experience.
As always, these enhancements reflect the open-source community’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Linux keeps pace with cutting-edge hardware. The full list of driver updates is available in the latest kernel development logs.