HDMI 2.1 has long been a goalpost for many in the Linux world, including Valve and AMD, who worked on an open-source implementation despite roadblocks from the HDMI forum. Now that appears to be a reality, with the Linux kernel mailing list citing patches likely to be merged into the upstream kernel driver stack in Linux kernel 7.4.

According to the merge request, HDMI 2.1 FRL will land in Linux with support for AMD FreeSync, VRR, and Auto Low-Latency Mode, useful for desktop and couch gamers on machines like the Valve Steam Machine or its many SteamOS-touting alternatives.

Linux kernel 7.4 is slated to land in October 2026, though an exact release date has yet to be determined. Valve previously declared the work for HDMI 2.1 complete for the Steam Machine, but seemingly has yet to implement the new driver in SteamOS, since the Steam Machine product page still cites HDMI 2.0.