TrueNAS 25.04 "Fangtooth" has been officially launched, and it comes with a lot of interesting new features that should make its storage platform even better. The release is a big step toward combining the features of TrueNAS CORE and TrueNAS SCALE, which will make it easier for users to set up and control their storage options. Along with unifying, the update adds the newest Linux Kernel 6.12, which makes the system even faster, safer, and more compatible with hardware.

Its strong and versatile open-source storage systems have made TrueNAS popular in both home testing centers and enterprise companies. Users are now able to use the improved features in Fangtooth, a system that merges CORE and SCALE into one streamlined package. The changes in this update reflect how TrueNAS is constantly improving the field of network-attached storage (NAS).

Let's explore the key features and improvements brought by TrueNAS 25.04 "Fangtooth".

Unification of CORE and SCALE into a Single TrueNAS OS

Perhaps the most transformative change in "Fangtooth" is the merging of the TrueNAS CORE and SCALE codebases. For years, users had to choose between the FreeBSD-based CORE and the Linux-based SCALE, each with its own advantages and limitations. CORE was known for its stability and maturity, while SCALE brought containerization, Kubernetes support, and scalability features to the table.

In TrueNAS 25.04, that split is gone. The new unified platform keeps SCALE's Linux underpinnings while incorporating much of the management simplicity and user interface structure that CORE users appreciated. This fusion streamlines the development process for iXsystems and eliminates the fragmentation that previously complicated user decisions.

Key benefits of unification include:

• Consistent experience across all deployments, regardless of hardware or scale.
• Shared feature set, meaning no more trade-offs between performance and functionality.
• Simplified update paths and documentation, which makes administration easier for new and existing users alike.
• Broader software ecosystem built on Linux, allowing deeper container, virtualization, and orchestration integrations.

This move doesn't just make things easier for users—it's a major leap in product strategy that should accelerate innovation and stability across the board.

Linux Kernel 6.12 for Improved Performance and Compatibility

The inclusion of Linux Kernel 6.12 in TrueNAS 25.04 "Fangtooth" is a key upgrade that brings significant performance, stability, and hardware support improvements to the platform. The Linux kernel serves as the backbone of TrueNAS SCALE, and with each new release, it delivers optimizations that benefit storage systems in numerous ways.

Some of the key benefits of upgrading to Linux Kernel 6.12 include:

• Improved Storage I/O: The new kernel optimizes data throughput and file system operations, contributing to faster data transfer speeds and reduced latency. This is crucial for environments with high-demand storage needs, such as enterprise applications and large-scale data processing.
• Enhanced Hardware Support: The latest kernel supports a wider array of hardware, including newer CPU architectures, storage devices, and network adapters. This ensures that users can make the most out of their existing infrastructure while also benefiting from future-proofing for new hardware.
• Better Security Features: Kernel updates often come with significant security enhancements, and version 6.12 is no exception. This version includes improved security patches and mitigations for vulnerabilities, making it even more suitable for enterprise environments where data integrity and security are paramount.

With these improvements, TrueNAS 25.04 "Fangtooth" users can expect better system stability, faster performance, and more robust support for diverse hardware configurations.

Streamlined System Management and Interface Enhancements

In addition to backend improvements, Fangtooth introduces several interface enhancements that simplify system management. The TrueNAS Web UI has received a number of updates, making it even easier for users to configure storage, manage users, and monitor system health.

Some of the key updates include:

• Improved User Dashboard: The user dashboard has been enhanced with more comprehensive and intuitive charts, graphs, and status indicators. Administrators can now access real-time system metrics with ease, making it easier to monitor storage health, network activity, and system resource usage.
• Unified Storage Management: Users will find that managing both traditional and containerized storage has become simpler, thanks to more unified management tools. This means less toggling between different interfaces when dealing with multiple types of data storage or containerized applications.
• Simplified Configuration: For new users or those upgrading from older versions, the simplified configuration options streamline initial setup processes, ensuring that even complex tasks like network configuration or storage provisioning are less intimidating.

These interface updates make TrueNAS 25.04 "Fangtooth" more accessible and manageable, while still retaining the power and flexibility that advanced users expect from a professional-grade NAS solution.

Enhanced Docker and Kubernetes Support

Another key feature of TrueNAS SCALE, carried forward into Fangtooth, is enhanced support for Docker and Kubernetes. The integration of containerized applications into TrueNAS allows users to run applications like databases, web servers, and other services directly from their storage environment.

With Fangtooth, container orchestration and management tools are even more tightly integrated into the TrueNAS ecosystem. This makes it easier to deploy, scale, and manage containerized applications, improving the flexibility and versatility of TrueNAS in both personal and enterprise environments.

Whether users are looking to build a private cloud solution or deploy web services, TrueNAS 25.04 now offers a more robust and stable platform for running containerized workloads.

Conclusion

TrueNAS 25.04 "Fangtooth" isn't just another incremental update—it's a bold reimagining of what the TrueNAS platform can be. By adopting Linux kernel 6.12, merging CORE and SCALE, and upgrading container, virtualization, and storage capabilities, iXsystems has delivered a unified experience that is faster, more versatile, and easier to manage.

This release positions TrueNAS as not only a leader in open-source storage, but as a platform ready for the demands of next-generation infrastructure. For users—from home enthusiasts to enterprise IT teams—TrueNAS 25.04 represents a cleaner, smarter, and more powerful way to manage data at scale.