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# AlmaLinux OS is Dropping 1:1 Compatibility with RHEL for its Future
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/almalinux-os-future/
- Published: 2023-07-14T11:43:12.000Z
- Updated: 2023-07-14T11:43:12.000Z
- Description: AlmaLinux OS has set its goals for the new future. Here's what it looks like.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Development Updates, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

Just a few days back, [SUSE announced](https://itsfoss.com/suse-rhel-fork/) that they would be forking Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) into a new distro without restrictions.

And now, AlmaLinux OS has decided to do something radical of its own with a recent announcement.

Let's see what they have in mind.

**What's Happening:** The folks behind AlmaLinux OS have decided that they will **no longer aim to be 1:1 compatible with RHEL**. Instead, they will be **focusing on being Application Binary Interface (**[**ABI**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application%5Fbinary%5Finterface?ref=itsfoss.com)**) compatible**.

They are aiming to make this available with AlmaLinux OS while also enabling it to run any software that's compatible with RHEL.

According to them, **existing users of AlmaLinux OS** won't be affected that much, as they will still be able to run RHEL-compatible applications, as well as receive regular security updates.

Doing this also **allows them to push bug fixes outside of RHEL's release cycle**, and even accept patches for bugs that have not yet been taken upstream, or shipped downstream.

**Why Now:** Well, it was a given after **Red Hat's source code lockout** behind a subscription wall. It was just a matter of time before a move like this was pulled off, and AlmaLinux OS is one of the first ones to do so.

Not to forget, Rocky Linux also shared its [plans going forward](https://rockylinux.org/news/brave-new-world-path-forward/?ref=itsfoss.com) if you missed it.

**Suggested Read** 📖

[Red Hat’s Source Code Lockout Spells Disaster for CentOS Alternatives: Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux in Trouble?Red Hat’s new move means that RHEL-source code is only accessible to users with subscriptions. What do you think about this?![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/08/android-chrome-192x192.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/06/redhat-limited-centos-stream.png)](https://itsfoss.com/red-hat-restricts-source-code/)

**When to Expect:** Well, seeing that work on this has already started. My best guess would be that we will see these changes **over the coming months**.

You can also review their [announcement](https://almalinux.org/blog/future-of-almalinux/?ref=itsfoss.com) for a more detailed outlook on the upcoming development process changes.

*💬 What are your thoughts on this move by AlmaLinux OS?*