Amazon Linux 2027 is now available in public preview
AWS has released Amazon Linux 2027 in public preview, offering a cloud-native OS with updated kernel, security defaults, and toolchains for modern workloads.
Amazon Linux 2027 (AL2027) enters public preview as the successor to AL2023, targeting cloud-native applications such as web services, databases, and AI workloads. The operating system runs on kernel version 7.1 or later and enforces SELinux by default, enhancing security for AWS deployments. AWS states the update includes performance improvements through AWS-LC for cryptographic operations and updated language runtimes to support current development needs.
AL2027 introduces support for accelerator drivers, including the AWS Neuron driver, which benefits machine learning workloads running on AWS infrastructure. The public preview allows customers to test the OS before its general availability, enabling validation of applications and direct feedback to the Amazon Linux team. Access is provided through Amazon Machine Images in the AWS Management Console across all commercial regions.
Customers can deploy AL2027 on both x86-64 and ARM-based instances, with container base images available via Amazon ECR Public Gallery. Feedback on the preview can be submitted through the AL2027 GitHub repository, ensuring community input shapes the final release. AWS encourages users to review the documentation for a detailed comparison with AL2023.
The announcement follows AWS’s pattern of releasing major updates to its Linux distribution to align with evolving cloud-native requirements. AL2027’s public preview marks the first opportunity for users to evaluate the new features before its planned general availability.