Home Assistant OS 18.0 has been released, bringing crucial enhancements aimed at improving performance on devices with limited RAM. This update is particularly beneficial for users running the OS on low-end hardware, such as Raspberry Pi systems.
Optimized RAM Swap Management
One of the standout features of this update is the adjustment to the default RAM swap size. Previously, the swap file was set to 33% of the system’s RAM, which often resulted in inadequate swap space for devices with 2GB of RAM or less, while creating unnecessarily large swap files on systems with over 12GB of RAM.
With Home Assistant OS 18.0, the default swap size is now clamped between 1 and 4 GB. This means that for systems with up to 2GB of RAM, the swap file will increase slightly compared to earlier versions, enhancing overall performance. Conversely, systems equipped with more than 12GB of RAM will have their swap file capped at 4GB, ensuring that resources are used more efficiently. Users who have manually configured their swap sizes will still have those settings respected.
Kernel Update and Faster Image Flashing
In addition to the RAM management improvements, Home Assistant OS 18.0 also updates the Linux kernel from version 6.12 to 6.18. This kernel upgrade is expected to provide better performance and stability. Furthermore, the process of flashing new images has been significantly accelerated, making it easier for users to update their systems.
Availability
For those interested in exploring the new features, Home Assistant OS 18.0 can be downloaded from the project’s GitHub page. This update is not related to the Home Assistant app itself, but rather to the underlying operating system that supports the app’s functionality.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
