Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distro that aims at making life easier for starting Linux users. It features an elegant user interface and packs many well-known productivity apps. This makes it a great choice for new users as well as those who want a Linux distro that just works.

The developers recently released Zorin OS 16, the latest stable version of this distro. It comes with some exciting new features alongside many performance improvements.

What’s New in Zorin OS 16?

The latest iteration of Zorin OS brings several new features to help users get the most out of their system. It's built on top of Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS and is powered by Linux kernel 5.11. The default user interface is based on GNOME Shell 3.38.

Some new features of Zorin OS 16 include the following:

1. Revamped User Interface

The user interface has been refined heavily and offers a stunning experience right out of the box. The navigation feels super smooth, and the performance is top-notch.

zorin-os-16-default-ui-1

2. Immersive OS Tour

The latest Tour provides a great way to learn the OS inside out. It takes the user through everything needed to master the UI and covers things like linking phones, online accounts, and customization options.

3. Improved Touchpad Gestures

Zorin OS 16 has introduced multi-touch gestures for laptops out of the box. Swiping four fingers up or down will switch between workspaces, and pinching three fingers on the touchpad will open the Activities Overview.

4. Flathub Integration

The Software store now offers direct integration with Flathub, the world's largest source for Flatpak apps. This allows us to install Linux apps from the Snap Store, Flathub, and Ubuntu & Zorin repositories. You can also install DEB files, AppImage, and Windows apps (via Windows App Support).

5. Windows 11-Like Layout

Zorin 16 comes with a brand new desktop layout similar to Windows 11. The layout is perfectly polished and streamlines well with touchscreen laptops. However, as of now, it's only available in Zorin OS 16 Pro.

Zorin-OS-Windows-11-layout

6. Sound Recorder

The new sound recorder app of Zorin OS 16 makes recording stuff fun and effortless. The app is fast and makes audio recording hassle-free.

7. Jelly Mode

A nifty UI feature that makes computing fun even for the most serious user. When enabled, it will wobble the display windows during movements like dragging and squeeze into the respective app icon if minimized.

8. Builtin Nvidia Drivers

This version of Zorin allows users to install the latest Nvidia drivers for Linux directly from the boot menu. The ISO also comes with built-in drivers for Nvidia GPUs. So, it'll be a good choice for those who intend to game on their system.

9. Performance Improvements

Zorin OS is known for its speed, and the latest version makes no exception. The development team has made several performance optimizations that make Zorin OS 16 even faster. As a result, opening apps feels snappier than they do in many mainstream Linux distributions.

zorin-16--performance-improvements-1

10. New Pro Edition

Earlier, Zorin used to have an Ultimate edition alongside the standard Core version. However, they've replaced it with a new Pro edition. This one comes with minimal software installed by default and offers a few additional layouts. Plus, you will also get tech support if you buy the Pro edition for $39.

Install Zorin OS 16 Today

Zorin OS 16 provides a polished experience sought by many Linux enthusiasts. If you want a stable distro that can handle anything you throw at it while still being super elegant, then you should check out this latest release.

Moreover, the low resource usage of Zorin makes it a perfect choice for those who want to install Linux on old laptops.