As a Galaxy S25 Ultra user in the Android 16 beta program, I’m concerned that the device lacks Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) support, critical for running virtual machines (VMs) like Windows on ARM or Linux for development.
Google mandates AVF support for new chipsets launching with Android 15 and above, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Android Authority, Nov 11, 2024), yet the S25 Ultra does not comply, reportedly due to Knox RKP blocking virtualization (X post, @MishaalRahman, Jan 24, 2025).
Key Issues:A preinstalled Google Terminal app (for Linux VMs via AVF) is hidden, revealed when sideloading an Android 15 APK prompted an “Update” option, but it’s not accessible in the app list.
Virtualization is disabled, preventing VM use, which is essential for developers.
Samsung’s non-compliance with Google’s AVF mandate limits the S25 Ultra’s potential compared to other Snapdragon devices (e.g., Pixel 9).
Request: Please enable AVF in future Android 16 beta builds to:
Support Google’s Terminal app and custom VMs (e.g., Windows on ARM, Linux).
Comply with Google’s mandatory AVF requirement for Android 15+ chipsets.
Ensure Knox RKP compatibility without sacrificing virtualization.
This would enhance the S25 Ultra’s developer appeal. I can test updates or provide feedback.
Agree, it's a deal breaker. What's point to have 16G RAM and overpowered CPU and lock device to be capable mostly watching youtube and scrolling throuogh some feeds....
after having owned zfold3 and zfold5, not having the linux terminal available on a new 2K dollar phone with ultrabook performance for me definitly is a reason to change to another brand, even if it means it will come with a slower cpu that is not snapdragon
I own a Fold7 for about a month now, and the lack of Android 16 Terminal support is quite frustrating to me. Unfortunately, I was not able to test the feature on a demo unit presented in a store before locking in my pre-order. I was so excited to make my Fold7 with an external screen and a Bluetooth keyboard my preferred work-and-travel setup, and finally move away from a laptop for light work on the go. All of this hinged on the Terminal being available... Even more frustratingly, Termux is so good on my Fold. It is surprisingly usable even without an external keyboard, which was never the case with standard smartphones. It's like it's teasing me with what it can be, but for some reason, Samsung and/or Qualcomm decided that a 2000$ device targeted at professionals would not support the Terminal feature...
I'm surprised that s25 has avf disabled. For me that was deal breaker to have DEX, and I decided to go with samsung devices because of AVF which I thought should be mandatory from the newest android versions.
Truly believe that this will be changed before stable release, as this is a mandatory option...
