Ubuntu point releases rarely deliver new features but will provide a new Linux kernel and graphics drivers back-ported from the latest short-term release – in this case Ubuntu 24.10 which came with Linux kernel 6.11 and Mesa 24.2.

Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS also adds support for the new Raspberry Pi 500 to its Raspberry Pi install IMG.

Periodical point release updates ensure those opting for long-term support releases, which are supported for around 5 years minimum, are able to benefit from the latest hardware support, kernel features, and other changes.

A new installer image (ISO) is also produced. This consolidates the updates, bug fixes, security patches, and kernel bumps issued since the last ISO, thus saving new users the hassle of needing to download and install months worth of updates right away.