You can upgrade to a new Ubuntu release before it has officially been released. The release will obviously still be being tested and will most likely have a few bugs and or glitches, but there is a number of reasons you may want to upgrade early. Here is a few of those reasons.
Testing....
Contributing to reporting bugs, glitches & errors....
Helping fix bugs, glitches & errors....
Accessing a newer version of an application....
Meh just fell like upgrading....
Wanting to get your software ready for the new version....
If you wish to upgrade early you can do so either via GUI or command line. All you have to do is launch the update manager with the “-d” perimeter at the end. See below for the commands that you can enter into your terminal. The first one is for upgrading via GUI & the second one is for upgrading via the terminal. Remember to enter your user password whenever prompt.
sudo update-manager -d
sudo do-release-upgrade -d
Upgrading early should be pretty straight forward, but just like any upgrade, always remember to backup your needed data before you begin the upgrade process.
When Ubuntu releases a new version you don't necessarily need to create a new usb & do a fresh install. Although that can sometimes be great, you can just simply upgrade to a new version from your existing one. To do so, simply follow the steps listed below.
Open the “Software & Updates” app....
Head to the “Updates” tab....
Look for the section at the bottom titled “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” & make your selection....
Click ‘Close’ & wait to be notified....
Once notified follow the on screen instructions & proceed to upgrade your system....
Alternatively you can upgrade from the terminal.
First make sure that everything is up to date & that you have update-manager-core installed. You can do so by running the following command....
Next you can issue the following command to search for a new Ubuntu version....
sudo do-release-upgrade
Any required files will be download & you will be prompt to install them. If you wish to upgrade press y & then hit enter on your keyboard. It may take some time to download everything....
Once everything has finished download & installing, you can reboot your computer to start using your new release of ubuntu....