In his original post, Seager said the upcoming AI features will include accessibility tools like AI speech-to-text and text-to-speech, along with agentic AI features for tasks like troubleshooting and automation. Canonical is also encouraging its engineers to use AI more and plans to begin introducing AI features in Ubuntu “throughout the next year.”

In a follow-up comment, Seager clarified that, “my plan is to introduce AI-backed features as a ‘preview’ on a strictly opt-in basis in [Ubuntu version] 26.10. In subsequent releases, my plan is to have a step in the initial setup wizard that allows the user to choose whether or not they’d like the AI-native features enabled.” Ultimately, he said, “All of these capabilities will be delivered as Snaps to the OS, layered on top of the existing Ubuntu stack. That means there will always be the option of removing those Snaps.”

The ability to remove the Snaps for the AI features, or choose not to install them to begin with, may resolve some users’ concerns, but those who prefer to avoid AI entirely could end up switching to other distributions, including one of the many distros based on Ubuntu, like Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, or Zorin OS. These distros have some similarities to Ubuntu, but may not necessarily adopt the new AI features Canonical is rolling out.

Artyom Zorin, CEO and lead developer of Zorin OS, said in a statement to The Verge that his distribution is “AI agnostic” and that any potential AI features “must adhere to our values of keeping Zorin OS secure, privacy-respecting, and performant.”