Ubuntu App Center Gets Major Upgrade for Deb & Snap Management

Ubuntu users have long juggled multiple tools to manage software. The latest update to Ubuntu App Center aims to simplify this by unifying Debian (Deb) and Snap package management in one interface. This shift, introduced in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, marks a significant step toward a streamlined software experience.

Debian Package Management Now in App Center

Previously, App Center only displayed Snap packages. The new version integrates Debian packages installed from Ubuntu repositories, using PackageKit and Appstream for backend support. This change addresses a key gap since Ubuntu transitioned from GNOME Software to its custom App Center.

Unified View: Installed Deb and Snap apps appear together by default.
Filter Options: Switch between viewing only Debs, only Snaps, or both.
Sorting Features: Sort Debs by update frequency, size, or installation date.

How to Manage Installed Debs

Open App Center, navigate to the Manage section via the sidebar, and look under Installed Apps. You can now:

Quickly uninstall Deb packages without leaving the interface.
Jump directly to the app listing for updates or details.

Snap Enhancements and User Control

Snap management also sees improvements. The updated App Center includes:

Revert Option: Roll back Snap apps to previous versions directly from listings.
Open Button: Launch installed Snaps from their listing pages.
Purge Data: A pending feature allows permanent deletion of app data during uninstallation.

Currently, Snap uninstallation retains app data for potential reinstallation. The new purge option would help users reclaim disk space by removing residual files.

Design Considerations

While functionality improves, the App Center’s design still has room for refinement. Built with Flutter and Dart, the app occasionally clashes with Ubuntu’s GTK-based desktop. Users report:

Visual inconsistencies in window resizing.
Overlap issues when snapping windows to screen sides.

Why This Matters for Ubuntu Users

Canonical’s push to consolidate software management into App Center simplifies the user experience. By unifying Deb and Snap tools, the update reduces the need to switch between apt, apt-get, and the Snap Store. This centralization should:

Lower the learning curve for new users.
Reduce fragmentation in software management workflows.

Looking Ahead

Though Flatpak support isn’t confirmed, the modular design of App Center leaves room for future expansion. Community contributions could further enhance its capabilities.

Try the New Features Today

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS users can start using the updated App Center immediately. For earlier versions, watch for updates rolling out in the coming months. Whether you prefer Deb or Snap packages, this upgrade makes software management more intuitive than ever.