Manjaro 26.1 Bian-May is a useful installation milestone. Existing users should distinguish that ISO snapshot from package updates and from the kernel actually running after boot.
What the release provides
The official release thread dates 26.1.0 to August 12 and lists 26.1.1 images dated August 25. It describes GNOME 50, Plasma 6.7 and Xfce 4.20 editions. Downloads distinguish full and minimal images, including separate Linux 7.1, 6.18 and 6.12 variants; this is not a promise that one installer contains all three kernels.
GNOME’s own version 50 notes describe changes such as remote-desktop acceleration and display handling. Their benefit depends on the session, drivers and hardware. A desktop version number alone cannot guarantee HDR or smooth remote access on every machine.
Existing installation or fresh start?
Manjaro’s rolling-release explanation says an existing system receives continuing updates; a new ISO mainly supplies a newer starting snapshot. Reinstalling solely to change the release label is unnecessary. Updates should keep the system coherent rather than selectively holding interdependent packages at old versions.
Our cover shows the two routes meeting at repository updates: an existing installation continues forward, while a new installation first starts from its chosen ISO. They need not become byte-identical computers; installed applications, configuration and hardware still differ.
Installed is not the same as booted
The kernel guide documents the read-only command mhwd-kernel -li to show both the running kernel and installed kernels. Manjaro Settings Manager provides kernel management, while GRUB’s advanced options can select an installed alternative.
For example, installing a second kernel does not change the kernel already executing in memory. A reboot and selection determine which one runs next. Keep that distinction when diagnosing a driver regression: record the booted version, not just the newest package in the list.
Check current support and hardware compatibility before choosing a branch. The historical ISO’s kernel number is not a permanent recommendation. Keeping a known-working alternative can help diagnosis, but a successful boot does not by itself validate every driver, suspend cycle or external display.
Update snapshot to 26.1.1 without changing historical publication; separate ISO kernel variants, rolling updates and actual booted kernel.