Libreboot as the Coreboot downstream focused on free, open-source boot firmware is out with a new test release for Christmas.
Libreboot 26.01-rc1 released for Christmas with a handful of new systems/motherboards supported and working to a successor for the existing Libreboot 25.06 stable release.
Libreboot 26.01-rc1 has support for a few new systems including the Topton X2E N150, Lenovo ThinkPad T580, and HP Pro 3500 Series. The Topton X2E N150 is a firewall computer built around the Intel N150 that may be of interest to some folks. The Lenovo ThinkPad T580 with its 8th Gen Intel Core “Coffee Lake” processors is hardly to get excited about in 2026. Beyond the age of the laptops, the 8th Gen Intel CPUs being vulnerable to many CPU security mitigations takes a toll on performance too.
The HP Pro 3500 Series is even worse off in being more than a decade old with either Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge Intel processors. But, hey, if you happen to have one laying around at least now you can try Libreboot if wanting to free it of the default proprietary BIOS.
Libreboot 26.01-rc1 also brings build system improvements, various bug fixes, and other enhancements. The plan is for the Libreboot 26.01 stable release before the end of January.
Those interested in the Libreboot 26.01-rc1 open-source boot firmware can find out more via Libreboot.org.
