Google Extends Support for Linux Kernels Used for Android
Because the LTS Linux kernel releases are so important to Android, Google has decided to extend the support period beyond that offered by the kernel development team.
According to multiple sources (such as Android Authority, Android Police and TechSpot), Google has now committed to a four-year support window for its Linux kernel forks. This begins with kernel 6.6.
It seems this happened because the upstream Linux kernel project decided to end its six-year support commitment for LTS releases, which would have been problematic for the Android platform. To get around that issue, Google decided to extend the support for the LTS kernels.
Google depends on the LTS kernels for bug fixes and security patches, which is why the company decided it would have to step in.
According to Google, there are three reasons why Google maintains its own kernel fork, which are:
- Backports and cherry-picks of upstream functionality needed for Android features
- Features ready for Android devices but still under development upstream
- Vendor/OEM features that are useful for other ecosystem partners.
The most recent Android ACK branch kernel is android15-6.6 (launched on 10-29-2023). The end of life for that version is now 07-01-2028.
It is important to know that Google is only supporting new ACK branches for four years. Because OEMs aren't able to do this, starting with Android 15, devices are required to ship with either android14-6.1 or android15-6.6.
Without the LTS versions of the Linux kernel, Android security wouldn't be nearly what it is.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
New Steam Client Ups the Ante for Linux
The latest release from Steam has some pretty cool tricks up its sleeve.
-
Gnome OS Transitioning Toward a General-Purpose Distro
If you're looking for the perfectly vanilla take on the Gnome desktop, Gnome OS might be for you.
-
Fedora 41 Released with New Features
If you're a Fedora fan or just looking for a Linux distribution to help you migrate from Windows, Fedora 41 might be just the ticket.
-
AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 Gives Power Users a Sneak Preview
If you're looking to kick the tires of AlmaLinux's upstream version, the developers have a purrfect solution.
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.