The future of 32-bit x86 (i386) support in Debian GNU/Linux is looking dim. Following a recent Debian developer sprint, it was announced that the Debian kernel, installer, and image teams will likely cease supporting i386 “in the near future.”
According to developer Paul Gevers, there will still be two options for running i386 after support is dropped: 1) as a multi-arch install on an otherwise 64-bit AMD system, and 2) in an i386 chroot environment on another architecture. Debian doesn’t plan to make i386 a “partial architecture” like Ubuntu has done. Maintainers can still drop i386 support after coordinating reverse-dependency builds.
So while i386 won’t be completely removed from Debian any time soon, dedicated support for running the distribution solely on 32-bit x86 hardware is going away. This is unsurprising given the steady drop of i386 support in other Linux distributions over the years and the increasing focus on 64-bit systems. The removal of i386 support will likely happen incrementally over the next couple of years leading up to the release of Debian 13.
Current Status of 32-bit x86 Support
As of today, Debian still offers 32-bit x86 (i386) support. The latest release, Debian 12.0, known as “bookworm,” was initially released on June 10th, 2023, and included many major changes, as described in the press release.
Debian 12.9 was released on January 11th, 2025. The Debian 12 life cycle encompasses five years: the initial three years of full Debian support, until June 10th, 2026, and two years of Long Term Support (LTS), until June 30th, 2028. The set of supported architectures is reduced during the LTS term. For more information, please refer to the Security Information webpage and the LTS section of the Debian Wiki.
The computer architectures supported at the initial release of “bookworm” include:
- 64-bit PC (amd64)
- 64-bit ARM (AArch64)
- EABI ARM (armel)
- Hard Float ABI ARM (armhf)
- 32-bit PC (i386)
- MIPS (little endian)
- 64-bit MIPS (little endian)
- POWER Processors
- IBM System z
For more details, you can visit the Debian i386 port page.
Other 32-bit x86 Distributions
In the ever-evolving landscape of Linux distributions, several noteworthy contenders continue to support 32-bit x86 architecture. Here’s a curated list, presented in no particular order, that highlights these resilient systems:
- Gentoo - i486+
- Void - i686
- Debian - i686 + MMX/SSE
- Slackware - i686? Maybe supports older than that though; it’s Slackware.
- Adélie - MMX
- openSUSE - i586??? (based on boot medium name)
- Alpine - i686?
Gentoo
Gentoo stands as a testament to the power of customization. This source-based distribution empowers users to tailor their software to their specific CPU architecture needs. With installation media supporting both i486 and i686, Gentoo offers flexibility that few can match. However, this comes at a cost: the necessity to compile nearly everything yourself. For those with the patience and the right hardware, the rewards can be substantial.
Void
Void Linux embraces a minimalist philosophy, providing a barebones setup that invites users to build their systems from the ground up. Supporting i686, Void allows for a tailored experience, and its build system is designed to make package creation straightforward—even from non-Void systems. This ease of use is a significant advantage, especially for those who enjoy tinkering and optimizing their setups.
Debian & Derivatives
As of the bookworm release, Debian has established a baseline of i686 without MMX or SSE. However, the landscape is shifting. In December 2023, Debian announced plans to sunset i386 support, leaving users to wonder about the future of this venerable architecture. While the core i386 package set remains intact for now, maintainers may begin to phase out support, and the architecture baseline could evolve to include SSE2 or higher.
The future of Debian derivatives remains uncertain, but projects like antiX Linux and MX Linux may continue to thrive, potentially filling any gaps left by Debian’s transition.
Slackware
As one of the oldest distributions still in active development, Slackware continues to offer 32-bit support. The Slackware 15 release notes indicate a kernel designed for chips “older than a Pentium III,” suggesting a commitment to legacy hardware. While it may not boast the extensive software repositories of larger distributions, Slackware provides a solid foundation for users who appreciate simplicity and stability.
Adélie
Adélie is an independent distribution that stands out for its support of both 32-bit x86 and PowerPC architectures. Utilizing the APK package manager, similar to Alpine, Adélie carves its own path in the Linux ecosystem. Targeting chips with at least MMX, it offers both desktop and server flavors, making it a viable option for users seeking a straightforward setup.
openSUSE
While details about openSUSE’s commitment to 32-bit x86 support are somewhat murky, the presence of i586 boot media in openSUSE Tumbleweed suggests that the distribution is still in the game. The community’s ongoing efforts to maintain this support are commendable, but the future remains uncertain.
Alpine
Finally, we have Alpine, a distribution renowned for its lightweight design. While it can serve as a desktop system, it truly excels in server environments. Alpine’s unique installation options, including a fully RAM-loaded setup, make it an attractive choice for systems with slow I/O or those prone to power loss. The ability to run iSH, a 32-bit x86 emulator, on mobile devices further extends Alpine’s reach, allowing users to access a Linux environment on their phones or tablets.
In this diverse ecosystem, each distribution brings its own strengths and challenges to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious newcomer, the world of 32-bit x86 Linux distributions offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and innovation.