Urgent: Virtualization Support

[Fs77]

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. 

Thank you for addressing this promptly

Device: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Snapdragon 8 Elite, Android 16 beta, Knox Official

[Fs77]

Thanks, although I do not agree with moving this thread from the "discussions" to the "suggestions" section of the Beta program.
This is not in fact an optional feature, it's a key feature of Android 15 and 16 that is not working in OneUi 8.
So the way I see it, this is a bug, not a suggestion.
The presence of this feature is mandated by Google.

[Mericah]

It would be incredible to run the Linux terminal on the S25 just like other phones powered by Snapdragon Elite.

Is it true that the micro hypervisor framework used to handle Knox RKP directly conflicts with AVF at EL2? Is the Knox RKP preventing the Linux terminal from running AVF at EL2?

Will this be resolved for OneUI 8 release? Thanks for the awesome work!

[nikhiladvait]

I am a programmer and was looking forward to AVF enabled linux terminal. I use dex a lot and avf feature was truely what i was waiting for. But to see samsung not giving it is disappointing.

If i were to upgrade now, i can not choose samsung. May be pixel or motorola phone with wired display connection.

[kevloeuf]

Thank God I searched this before the release of the new Z Fold 7. I'm due for a phone upgrade from my Fold 4 and Samsung will definitely be out of my list of possible choices. Sucks because they make the best Foldable IMO. Would've loved to use AVF & Terminal on the Z Fold 7.

[user91oxLsmLJM]

@Samsung, this is a deal breaker.  You are willfully failing to comply with the requirements set forth for Android 16 API support.  This means that developers relying on what is supposed to be a standardized set of features cannot trust that their apps will work on Samsung devices or are forced to develop special, less secure variants of their apps to run on your devices because AVF isn't available.  If Knox is incompatible, then you need to go back to the drawing board on your security framework and adapt, not compromise the security of the entire platform so you can keep Knox in place, unchanged.

[KDev]

Just got a fold 7 and lost my mind turning it into a PC, I'm able to run almost everything on it. It's basically a laptop, unfortunately having a terminal was the last and final thing needed as a Full Stack Developer to turn this gadget into my new laptop. I found this page and my dreams went right out the window. Now my phone is 99% complete I hope samsung amends this ASAP

[Exsilium]

Received a system update for Fold 7, with kernel date of 29th of Jul - but no changes for the AVF support? I can't see /dev/kvm. What"s the ETA to have a Knox update to support this feature? Thanks.

[woepaul]

I'm also on an S25U. This will be my last Samsung device (and also no one else in my proximity will have one) if we do not get full AVF support for this phone.

[nvmz00]

Just recenly bought S25Ultra and already selling few weeks later because of this. This is absolute deal breaker for me. Gonna buy Pixel, even though I like S25U more in some other departments.

[niyazm524]

I am absolutely voting for this feature to be implemented too! Digged down the docs a bit, and unfortunately it seems that transition of this topic into "Suggestions" totally valid.. Google is forcing OEMs to support AVF, but Linux Terminal uses NON protected VM feature – I think it's controlled by flag during kernel build. Samsung has implemented AVF, but there is no such requirement from Google to enable non protected VMs in AVF.

Important quotes from Android Docs about AVF:

• The Linux development environment is available on select devices and runs in a non protected virtual machine.
• Android Virtualization Framework (AVF): Android's existing subsystem for VM creation and management. It requires minimal modification to support custom OS images for this feature.

Despite all of this I hope so much that Samsung will support this direction. Their Linux on DEX Project was great but also ahead of time, platform wasn't prepared yet for it. Now it's time to bring it back in brand-new form via official APIs.