In the realm of Linux desktop distributions, few names stand out as prominently as Pop!_OS, the custom-built operating system from System76. Known for its user-centric design, seamless hardware integration, and a progressive attitude toward Linux usability, Pop!_OS has earned a special place in the hearts of developers, engineers, gamers, and power users alike.

With the release of Pop!_OS 24.04, System76 boldly pushes the limits of what Linux desktops can do—particularly in the domain of hybrid graphics. This version introduces a host of under-the-hood improvements and user-facing enhancements aimed at solving a long-standing pain point for Linux laptop users: managing systems that have both integrated and dedicated GPUs.

This article dives into what makes Pop!_OS 24.04 a game-changer, focusing especially on its sophisticated, yet user-friendly approach to hybrid graphics.

A Leap Forward: What’s New in Pop!_OS 24.04

Pop!_OS 24.04 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, meaning it inherits long-term support, stability, and updated software packages. But Pop!_OS never simply repackages Ubuntu; it transforms it. Here are some of the standout features introduced in this release:

• COSMIC Desktop Enhancements: System76’s in-house desktop environment has matured, delivering better window management, smoother animations, and more customization options. COSMIC is designed from the ground up using Rust, and this release brings faster performance and reduced resource consumption.

• Kernel and Driver Upgrades: Linux kernel 6.8+ ensures better hardware compatibility and performance, especially for newer CPUs and GPUs. The latest NVIDIA and Mesa drivers are pre-integrated and optimized.

• Refined Installer and Recovery: The Pop!_OS installer now includes better detection for hybrid graphics setups and offers system recovery options right from the boot menu.

However, the crown jewel of 24.04 is undoubtedly its radical improvements in hybrid graphics support.

Understanding Hybrid Graphics and Why It Matters

Most modern laptops come with two GPUs:

1. Integrated GPU (iGPU) – Built into the CPU (e.g., Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics), offering energy-efficient graphics rendering.

2. Discrete GPU (dGPU) – A powerful standalone GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX, AMD Radeon), ideal for gaming, 3D modeling, and heavy computation.

This setup, known as hybrid graphics, allows users to conserve battery power when performance isn’t needed and tap into powerful hardware when it is.

On Windows, switching between these GPUs is handled fairly automatically. On Linux, however, hybrid graphics have long been a notorious quagmire—plagued with:

• Manual configurations,

• Poor driver support,

• Limited runtime GPU switching,

• System instability.

Pop!_OS 24.04 changes the game.

System76’s Hybrid Graphics Magic: Seamless, Granular, Smart

System76 approached the hybrid graphics challenge holistically—looking at kernel-level management, desktop-level control, and user-level accessibility. Here’s how they nailed it:

1. Seamless Switching and Smart Profiles

Pop!_OS now provides on-the-fly GPU switching through a graphical interface. Users can select between:

• Integrated GPU only: Ideal for battery life.

• Discrete GPU only: Maximum performance mode.

• Hybrid mode: The default and most balanced option, enabling discrete GPU use only when needed.

This is handled intelligently by detecting application behavior and power status, allowing the system to switch or assign workloads dynamically.

2. Per-Application GPU Assignment

A groundbreaking feature in 24.04 is the ability to assign specific apps to run on the discrete GPU—directly from the Pop!_Shop or via the terminal using the prime-run command.

Example:

prime-run blender

This means GPU-hungry applications like Blender, DaVinci Resolve, or games launched through Steam can fully utilize the dGPU, while lightweight apps like browsers or text editors stay on the iGPU.

3. COSMIC Integration

The new COSMIC desktop integrates GPU options directly into the system menu. Users can monitor GPU usage in real time, switch profiles, or verify which GPU an app is using—all without touching the command line.

4. Battery Life and Thermal Management

System76 implemented custom power profiles tied to GPU usage. In hybrid or iGPU mode, battery life sees significant gains thanks to improved idle power states and runtime power management features.

Thermal regulation is handled via firmware-level cooperation with open EC (embedded controller) firmware on System76 devices, keeping laptops cooler and quieter under varying loads.

Use Cases: Who Benefits from Pop!_OS 24.04’s Hybrid Graphics Support?

Gamers

Pop!_OS has long been a solid choice for Linux gaming, thanks to built-in support for Steam, Proton, and Lutris. With 24.04, gamers on hybrid laptops can now enjoy high FPS on discrete GPUs without needing a reboot or script-based hacks.

Creative Professionals

From video editing to 3D modeling, creative workloads are GPU-bound. Pop!_OS now allows tools like Blender and DaVinci Resolve to tap into full GPU horsepower only when needed, maximizing performance without draining battery when idle.

AI/ML Developers

Data scientists and machine learning practitioners often rely on CUDA-enabled NVIDIA GPUs. With seamless GPU management, Pop!_OS becomes a powerful yet mobile development platform.

Everyday Users

Even casual users benefit—longer battery life, fewer overheating issues, and an intuitive interface make hybrid laptops feel as smooth as MacBooks or premium Windows devices.

Hardware Support and Compatibility

Pop!_OS 24.04 is optimized for System76 hardware, such as:

• Lemur Pro

• Oryx Pro

• Serval WS

• Gazelle

But it also runs beautifully on non-System76 laptops. Pop!_OS includes robust support for:

• NVIDIA Optimus laptops (via proprietary drivers)

• AMD Ryzen systems with Radeon graphics

• Intel Evo-certified laptops with Iris Xe

Installation detects hybrid setups automatically, ensuring a painless setup experience.

System76 and the Open Source Ecosystem

System76 doesn’t just integrate—they contribute. In the journey to improve hybrid graphics, they’ve contributed to:

• Mesa and kernel-level patches

• Wayland compatibility fixes

• libdrm and mutter enhancements

• NVIDIA PRIME support improvements

They also maintain and upstream changes to their firmware toolkit, which is open source and community-supported.

Pop!_OS vs. The Competition

Ubuntu and Fedora

While Ubuntu and Fedora offer some hybrid support, they typically require manual setup and lack per-app GPU assignment. Pop!_OS offers a zero-friction experience with system-wide integration.

Windows

Windows still leads in game compatibility, but Pop!_OS narrows the gap by offering GPU switching with more transparency and control, without vendor lock-in or bloat.

Other Linux Distros

Distributions like Manjaro or Arch give users flexibility—but often at the cost of stability. Pop!_OS strikes a rare balance between polish and power, making it ideal for newcomers and veterans alike.

Installation Experience and First Impressions

Installing Pop!_OS 24.04 is as painless as ever. The installer now includes:

• Hybrid graphics detection

• Pre-configured drivers

• A recovery partition option

After installation, users are greeted with:

• An intuitive welcome screen

• Power profile suggestions

• GPU management tutorials

Even those unfamiliar with Linux can navigate these settings with confidence.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Linux Desktop Evolution

Pop!_OS 24.04 isn’t just another LTS release—it’s a turning point for how Linux handles hybrid graphics. With this update, System76:

• Solves a long-standing Linux pain point.

• Brings intuitive GPU management to everyday users.

• Empowers developers and creatives with performance when needed.

• Demonstrates the power of thoughtful open source engineering.

Whether you're gaming, compiling code, training neural networks, or just browsing the web, Pop!_OS 24.04 delivers a smarter, sleeker, and more efficient experience—all while championing user freedom and open-source values.

If you’ve ever struggled with Linux on a hybrid GPU laptop, now is the time to give Pop!_OS another look. The boundaries have been pushed—and they won’t be going back.