iot-kernel

iot-kernel supplies the Ubuntu Linux kernel component needed to run specialized Internet of Things workloads on Linux. It gives IoT-focused systems the kernel layer required to boot and operate those workloads, rather than providing an end-user application or device-management interface. Canonical publishes it as an open-source kernel package intended for Linux environments.

The software is used on machines or devices whose workloads depend on an Ubuntu kernel tailored to specialized IoT scenarios. Its main role is to provide the underlying operating-system kernel, so it can serve as the foundation for IoT deployments and other systems built around those workloads. Canonical is the developer and publisher, and the package is available through the Snap ecosystem for command-line installation.

Before using it, the host must run Linux with snapd and use the x86_64 (amd64) architecture. The current release is 6.8.0-1031.31. Its narrow kernel-level purpose distinguishes it from higher-level IoT applications: it supplies the operating-system foundation while leaving workload software and device-specific services to the surrounding Linux environment.