Gimp 2.8 is released, but on Ubuntu repository you just can get GIMP 2.8, i don't know why the Ubuntu repository not update the GIMP version. If you want to get GIMP 2.8 in your ubuntu machine, just using ppa repository. I am using otto-kesselgulasch ppa to update GIMP to 2.8. There is step by step how to install gimp 2.8 through the ppa.

• Open terminal with Ctrl Alt T and write

  sudo add-apt-repository ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

Add repository

• Press enter after you got the information about the ppa for addin the ppa into system

confirm repository

• Write

  sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install gimp

• apt get update for refresh repository list and apt get install for installing gimp on your ubuntu machine.

I hope it's work for you like on my Ubuntu machine. Happy painting ;)

gimp 2.8 splash screen