Device(s): Two Galaxy S23 Ultra SM-S918B/DS (EU), both 1TB Software: Android 16 / One UI 8 (latest update installed)
I’m a long-time Samsung customer and I’m deeply disappointed.
For months, public briefings and coverage suggested AVF (Android Virtualization Framework) would be activated on Samsung—similar to what Pixel users have had on Android 16. After upgrading, there is no Linux Terminal / AVF VM on either of my S23 Ultra devices. I paid €3,000 for these two phones and now discover the flagship doesn’t deliver a feature that is central to my workflow.
This is not a hobby feature: I need the Linux Terminal VM for cloud management in my startup. Telling users to “just use Termux” is not an answer when Android 16’s AVF Linux Terminal is the point.
Samsung, please answer clearly—no marketing, no deflection:
Will AVF + the Android 16 Linux Terminal be enabled on the S23 series (SM-S918B/DS)? Yes or No.
If Yes: give a timeline / build (QPR/firmware) and any prerequisites.
If No: state it openly and explain the policy (Knox/virtualization stance).
Root/Bootloader: Is rooting/BL unlock on One UI 8 effectively blocked, making any workaround impossible? Provide an official stance.
Even more frustrating: there’s been no official statement addressing this serious issue. Please post a pinned, official update with a concrete plan—or a definitive “not supported.”
I want to stay with Samsung. Right now, you’re making that very hard.
Need this functionality for my StartUp company - being underway without PC for Cloud Management tasks. I have even purchased 2 (two!) Galaxy S23 Ultra (1 TB mem) for mor than 3.000€ ... now being totally frustrated!
The fact that the update has been out for so long and there's been so much demand, yet there's still not even a single explanation, demonstrates once again the importance Samsung places on customer satisfaction. This helps me understand why people are so biased towards Samsung.
This is a dealbreaker for me. If they wont make it work for my S24 Ultra, i will not buy another samsung phone for my family, we currently have 7 samsung android devices that will need to be replaced within a few years. Just saying..
