Haiku R1/beta6 has been released, according to the project’s official announcement. The release comes approximately two years after Haiku R1/beta5 and roughly one week after Haiku’s 25th birthday.
Haiku is an open-source operating system project that has maintained development for over two decades. The new beta release is available for download, and users with existing Haiku installations can upgrade to the latest version.
According to the announcement, the project has published comprehensive release notes detailing the changes and improvements included in beta6. The organization also provided information for press inquiries and direct download links for those wanting to obtain the release.
Beyond the beta6 release, Haiku has announced additional activities demonstrating ongoing community engagement. The project will mentor 3 students through Google Summer of Code 2026, continuing its participation in the program that supports open-source development and provides mentorship to student developers.
Haiku, Inc., the organization behind the project, also maintains financial transparency, with reports available for recent years including 2024, 2023, and 2022. These reports provide insight into the project’s operations and financial status.
The two-year gap between beta5 and beta6 represents a significant development cycle for the project. The timing of the release near the project’s 25th anniversary underscores Haiku’s longevity in the open-source software landscape, where it continues to develop an alternative operating system.
Users interested in the release can access detailed information through the project’s official website, which hosts the release notes, press contact information, and download options for both new installations and upgrades from previous versions.
Key facts
- Haiku R1/beta6 has been released after approximately two years since the previous beta
- The release comes about one week after Haiku’s 25th birthday
- Haiku will mentor 3 students in Google Summer of Code 2026
- Haiku, Inc. publishes annual financial reports documenting the organization’s operations