Smartphones we carry around have become so powerful nowadays that, when compared to a decade-old mid-tier PC, your smartphone will likely have better specs. But as much as the specs matter, the operating system matters too. To manage both the hardware (the specs) and software (the operating system) more efficiently, the kernel plays a crucial role.
Google is rolling out Terminal app with Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update
And now, Google seems to be stepping up its game with the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update. Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted a new option, in Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, to enable the Terminal app, bringing the Linux 6.1.99 kernel to more Pixel devices. Currently, this is only available for Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6 and newer models.
Google and Samsung now provide software updates for seven years, so upgrading the kernel version not only promises longevity but also offers more options for techies. At its heart, Android is still based on the Linux kernel, so native support means you could potentially run Linux apps on Android, something Rahman had reported earlier.
Mishaal Rahman/Android Authority
Will Linux Terminal come to Samsung phones?
There’s certainly hope that the Terminal app could make its way to Galaxy phones in the near future. One reason is that Android devices, including Samsung’s, support the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), which was introduced with Android 13. This means there’s a possibility that Galaxy phones could eventually support the Terminal app. However, it’s still unclear whether all Galaxy phones will support it natively, or if it will be limited to just a few models.
For what it’s worth, this update won’t be landing on even the Pixel phones anytime soon. It’s expected to debut with the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, as it’s currently in beta. This isn’t something we recommend for general users, as beta versions can introduce various issues — especially if your device is your daily driver.
