Top 10 New Features in RHEL 10 [2025 Update]

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Enhanced Security with Zero Trust Framework
• AI-Powered System Management
• Improved Containerization and Kubernetes Integration
• Next-Generation File System Enhancements
• Expanded Cloud-Native Support
• Advanced Automation with Ansible Integration
• Enhanced Developer Experience
• Optimized Performance for Modern Workloads
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has long been recognized as the backbone of enterprise-grade Linux deployments worldwide. With the release of RHEL 10, Red Hat introduces a powerful upgrade designed to meet the evolving needs of hybrid cloud, AI-driven workloads, and secure enterprise environments. This update brings together modern performance improvements, a reimagined developer experience, and robust integration with automation and cloud-native technologies. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 new features of RHEL 10 that redefine the future of enterprise Linux in 2025 and beyond.

Enhanced Security with Zero Trust Framework

Security remains at the core of enterprise systems, and RHEL 10 integrates a Zero Trust security model by default. Unlike earlier versions, where access was more perimeter-based, RHEL 10 enforces continuous verification, least privilege principles, and advanced identity management across users and applications. Features include built-in support for multi-factor authentication (MFA), hardened SELinux policies, and automatic patch management. With cybersecurity threats evolving, RHEL 10 ensures enterprises remain resilient against insider and external attacks by reducing the attack surface and enabling proactive threat detection.

AI-Powered System Management

One of the most groundbreaking innovations in RHEL 10 is its AI-driven system management. Through machine learning models embedded into the OS, administrators gain predictive insights on system performance, anomaly detection, and resource optimization. The integration with Red Hat Insights leverages AI to detect patterns of potential failures, automatically recommending optimizations or fixes before issues escalate. This feature not only minimizes downtime but also reduces administrative overhead, making enterprise operations smarter, faster, and more efficient than ever before.

Improved Containerization and Kubernetes Integration

Containers are the building blocks of modern applications, and RHEL 10 takes containerization to new heights with enhanced Podman and Kubernetes integration. The platform now supports lightweight containerized services with better security isolation and streamlined deployment pipelines. RHEL 10 also includes enhanced compatibility with OpenShift, allowing developers to move workloads seamlessly across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. With a tighter alignment to Kubernetes APIs, enterprises can enjoy faster scaling, stronger security enforcement, and easier management of microservices architectures.

Next-Generation File System Enhancements

Storage and file system performance are critical in high-demand enterprise environments. RHEL 10 introduces improvements to the Stratis and XFS file systems, delivering greater scalability and resilience. Stratis now provides more intuitive snapshot management, reducing downtime during upgrades, while XFS offers better support for large-scale workloads with extended metadata handling. These advancements empower organizations dealing with massive datasets, making RHEL 10 ideal for AI workloads, analytics, and mission-critical applications requiring fast, stable, and reliable storage systems.

Expanded Cloud-Native Support

Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies are now essential, and RHEL 10 significantly enhances cloud-native support. With built-in integrations for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, enterprises can deploy and scale workloads seamlessly across environments. RHEL 10 introduces cloud-ready images with pre-optimized performance settings, reducing deployment time. Additionally, the OS supports edge computing deployments, enabling enterprises to extend their workloads closer to data sources. This adaptability ensures that businesses leveraging RHEL 10 are future-ready in a cloud-dominated world.

Advanced Automation with Ansible Integration

Automation is no longer optional, and RHEL 10 enhances Ansible integration to deliver consistent system management at scale. Administrators can automate patching, configuration, and compliance enforcement with minimal manual intervention. Ansible Playbooks now come pre-built for RHEL 10, enabling quick setup of enterprise workloads. This integration also ensures that security policies remain consistent across hybrid infrastructures, reducing human error and enhancing compliance with industry standards.

Enhanced Developer Experience

RHEL 10 makes a developer-friendly leap with a redesigned toolchain and expanded language support. The OS now provides up-to-date versions of popular programming languages such as Python, Rust, and Go, along with advanced container development tools. Developers benefit from built-in support for DevSecOps practices, enabling them to embed security into the application lifecycle. With Visual Studio Code extensions for RHEL and improved debugging tools, the developer experience becomes seamless, empowering teams to innovate faster while maintaining enterprise-grade stability.

Optimized Performance for Modern Workloads

Performance optimization is a hallmark of RHEL 10, with enhancements designed for AI, ML, big data, and edge workloads. The kernel has been fine-tuned to support high-performance networking, low-latency processing, and better NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) balancing. These improvements make RHEL 10 suitable for industries requiring real-time decision-making, such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. By leveraging these optimizations, enterprises can handle complex workloads with reduced latency and improved energy efficiency, driving both productivity and cost savings.

Key Features of RHEL 10

Conclusion

RHEL 10 marks a major milestone in the evolution of enterprise Linux, providing unmatched security, automation, performance, and developer support. With its Zero Trust framework, AI-powered insights, and seamless cloud-native capabilities, RHEL 10 empowers organizations to build resilient, scalable, and future-ready infrastructures. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or enterprise leader, RHEL 10 delivers the tools and technologies necessary to thrive in an AI-driven, cloud-dominated digital landscape.

FAQ

What is RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 is the latest version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, designed for modern enterprise workloads, including cloud, AI, and hybrid deployments.

When was RHEL 10 released?

RHEL 10 was officially launched in 2025 as the successor to RHEL 9.

Does RHEL 10 support Zero Trust security?

Yes, RHEL 10 comes with a built-in Zero Trust security framework for stronger access control and protection.

Is RHEL 10 optimized for cloud workloads?

Absolutely. It includes integrations with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, along with pre-optimized images for faster deployments.

Can RHEL 10 manage containers?

Yes, RHEL 10 offers enhanced container support via Podman and Kubernetes integration.

How does RHEL 10 use AI?

RHEL 10 integrates AI-driven management for predictive analysis, anomaly detection, and proactive maintenance.

What file systems are enhanced in RHEL 10?

Stratis and XFS file systems have been improved for scalability, resilience, and performance in data-heavy environments.

Does RHEL 10 support automation?

Yes, with tighter Ansible integration, RHEL 10 allows full-scale automation of system management and compliance.

Which programming languages are supported in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 supports modern programming languages like Python, Rust, Go, and more, catering to developers’ needs.

Is RHEL 10 suitable for AI and ML workloads?

Yes, the optimized kernel and advanced performance tuning make it highly efficient for AI, ML, and edge computing.

How does RHEL 10 improve the developer experience?

It provides up-to-date toolchains, container development tools, and Visual Studio Code extensions for easier coding and debugging.

Is RHEL 10 available for edge computing?

Yes, it includes support for deploying workloads at the edge, closer to data sources.

How does RHEL 10 improve performance?

Through kernel tuning, better NUMA balancing, and enhanced networking for low-latency workloads.

Is RHEL 10 backward compatible?

Yes, RHEL 10 maintains backward compatibility to ensure smooth transitions from older versions.

What industries benefit most from RHEL 10?

Industries like finance, healthcare, telecom, and AI-driven enterprises benefit greatly due to optimized performance and security.

Does RHEL 10 work with OpenShift?

Yes, RHEL 10 is tightly integrated with OpenShift for seamless container orchestration and application management.

What is the role of Red Hat Insights in RHEL 10?

It provides AI-powered insights to detect potential issues early and recommend optimizations.

Can enterprises automate compliance with RHEL 10?

Yes, automation features allow enterprises to maintain compliance with industry standards efficiently.

Is RHEL 10 suitable for hybrid cloud environments?

Yes, it provides multi-cloud compatibility and edge support, making it ideal for hybrid strategies.

How does RHEL 10 compare to RHEL 9?

RHEL 10 significantly enhances security, automation, AI integration, and cloud-native support compared to RHEL 9.