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System76 released the first COSMIC desktop-environment Alpha on August 26, 2024, inviting Linux users to test a customizable alternative to the GNOME-based desktop in earlier Pop!_OS releases. It was an early preview, not a finished desktop: System76 warned that breaking bugs were likely and advised against using it for production work. COSMIC has since reached its first stable release, Epoch 1, which shipped with Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS on December 11, 2025.
What COSMIC was designed to change
System76 began COSMIC as a replacement for the GNOME-based desktop used in earlier Pop!_OS releases. The goal was a more customizable and consistent desktop experience—not simply a new theme. The project’s stated design features included:
- Shareable themes to let users customize the desktop and exchange visual styles.
- Flexible workspaces that can be arranged horizontally or vertically.
- Integrated window tiling for organizing open windows on screen.
- Customizable panels that users can configure to suit their workflow.
- A suite of COSMIC applications, including Files, Settings, Terminal, Edit, and an App Store.
These choices explain the ambition behind the launch: give users more control over how their Linux desktop looks and works, while building a cohesive set of desktop tools. System76 founder and CEO Carl Richell later described COSMIC as modular software that others could adapt for their own Linux experiences. That is the company’s stated goal, not evidence by itself of broad adoption.
Why the first Alpha was not ready for everyday work
The August 2024 Alpha was a testing release. System76 explicitly warned that users could encounter breaking bugs, asked testers to report problems, and recommended waiting before using COSMIC for production work. That warning matters if you depend on your computer for work or need a predictable desktop: an Alpha can change substantially and may not behave reliably.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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System76’s launch announcement highlighted favorable first impressions from outlets including Linux Unplugged and Ars Technica, as well as positive comments about the project’s potential from other commentators. These were selected reactions published by System76, not a representative user survey or a controlled comparison of performance.
How COSMIC has changed since the launch
COSMIC is no longer only an Alpha project. System76 released COSMIC Epoch 1 alongside Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS on December 11, 2025. The official Pop!_OS download page now lists Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS with COSMIC. The launch story is therefore best understood as the beginning of a desktop project that has since reached its first Epoch release—not as a claim that the 2024 Alpha had already transformed the Linux desktop.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
System76 presented COSMIC as software for Pop!_OS and other Linux distributions, not as an environment that requires a System76 computer. Distribution support and installation methods can change, so check the project’s current instructions for the Linux distribution you intend to use.
How to try COSMIC today
For the most direct route, use the current Pop!_OS image rather than relying on installation directions written for the 2024 Alpha.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Visit System76’s Pop!_OS download page and check the current image options for your hardware.
- Review the listed requirements and installation notes before downloading. System76 currently recommends 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage; the page also says Secure Boot must be disabled for installation.
- Follow System76’s current installation instructions for the selected image. If you want to install COSMIC on another distribution, consult that distribution’s current COSMIC guidance rather than assuming the Alpha-era testing routes remain unchanged.
The current download information lists images for Intel/AMD graphics, newer NVIDIA graphics, ARM, and ARM with NVIDIA. System76 also notes that COSMIC is not currently optimized for touch devices and that certain display-toggle hotkeys are unsupported. Confirm the latest details on the official download page before installing, since image availability and requirements may change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the Alpha announcement does—and does not—show
The first Alpha demonstrated System76’s direction: a desktop centered on customization, flexible workspace layouts, built-in tiling, configurable panels, and native applications. It did not establish that COSMIC was faster or better than other Linux desktops, that users had adopted it at scale, or that it had changed Linux desktop market share. The launch-era comments System76 selected are impressions, not performance measurements.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For readers deciding whether COSMIC is worth exploring, the practical distinction is maturity. The first Alpha was explicitly experimental; COSMIC Epoch 1 is now included with Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS. Evaluate the current release and its support for your hardware and workflow rather than treating the original preview’s limitations or praise as a verdict on the desktop today.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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