FreeCORE Launches as Community-Driven Fork of TrueNAS CORE
The new independent project provides a FreeBSD-based alternative for storage users after iXsystems shifted focus to Linux.
A new community-maintained project called FreeCORE has launched as an independent fork of TrueNAS CORE 13.3. The initiative aims to sustain the FreeBSD-based storage operating system following the end of upstream development for the CORE line.
The project has released version 15.0-U1, which debuted on August 27, 2026. Based on FreeBSD 15.1-RELEASE-p3, this stable release allows users to perform in-place upgrades from TrueNAS CORE 13.3. According to the project's changelog, the 15.0 update introduces several technical upgrades, including OpenZFS 2.4.2, Python 3.11, and Angular 15.2.10 for the Web UI. Additionally, FreeCORE has stripped out vendor telemetry and enterprise-licensed features, specifically removing KMIP, failover capabilities, and TrueCommand Cloud.
The Shift from FreeBSD to Linux
TrueNAS CORE served as the FreeBSD-based pillar of the popular TrueNAS storage software. However, the developer iXsystems shifted its primary focus toward TrueNAS SCALE, a version based on Debian Linux. This strategic pivot effectively ended the development of the CORE line at version 13.3, leaving a gap for administrators and enthusiasts who prefer the BSD kernel over Linux for their network-attached storage (NAS) deployments.
Implications for Storage Administrators
FreeCORE provides a critical lifeline for users who wish to remain on a BSD kernel without sacrificing system modernity. By rebasing the OS on FreeBSD 15, the project ensures that users can receive current security updates and updated system dependencies. Most importantly, the inclusion of newer OpenZFS versions allows users to leverage recent improvements in the file system without being forced to migrate their entire infrastructure to a Linux-based OS.
Future Development
Looking ahead, the project's roadmap indicates plans to further modernize the interface by moving the WebUI to Angular 22. FreeCORE also intends to introduce FreeBSD-native OCI containers through the use of ocijail and Podman. Furthermore, the project plans to expand its virtualization options by adding Bastille as an opt-in jail manager to run alongside the existing iocage system.