Ubuntu 26.10 is arriving with a pre-release Linux kernel 7.3, at release candidate 7 (RC7), according to the source report.
Shipping a pre-release kernel is a bet that the final version will land in time for the distribution's release.
Source: theregister.com, reported 10-16. https://www.theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/10/16/ubuntu-stonking-stingray-swims-into-spotlight-with-pre-release-kernel/5303580