SUSE’s Arnd Bergmann, in charge of kernel packages, has submitted patches that aim to eliminate approximately 55 thousand lines of code from the Linux kernel. This code relates to legacy ARM platforms that are no longer in use and cause complications in the maintenance of current subsystems. The platforms set for removal include sa1100, omap24xx, i.MX31, samv7, lpc18xx, riscpc, axxia, footbridge, old pxa, orion, dove and mv78xx0 boards, as well as chips without a memory management unit (MMU) and stm32f4/f7/h7 microcontrollers.
The plan is for these outdated platforms to be removed in the upcoming 7.5 kernel version, projected to be released in the first quarter of 2027. This preemptive action is being taken to prevent their removal in the Long Term Support (LTS) kernel. Additionally, it allows users time to declare if they still rely on any of these systems, potentially avoiding their removal before the scheduled timeline.