Google has set a new rule for phones running Android 15 and later versions, requiring them to include a special security tool called the Advanced Virtualization Framework (AVF). However, it seems that Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 phones don’t have this important security feature.
An expert named MishaalRahman discovered that the Galaxy S25 lacks this crucial security tool. Without AVF, these phones can’t use some of the advanced security features available in newer Android versions.
The AVF was introduced with Android 13, allowing phones to set up safe, separate areas where they can run a small version of Android, known as Microdroid. This setup helps protect the phone by keeping the running apps away from the main system, reducing risks from harmful software.
Samsung already uses its own security system called Knox, which does some similar protective tasks like keeping personal data safe. However, the AVF goes a step further by letting users run an entire Linux system within this secure space.
Google plans to release a new app called Linux Terminal with Android 16. This app would work with the AVF. Since One UI 8 is expected to run on Android 16, there’s curiosity about whether Samsung will add AVF support to their Galaxy phones with this update.
The OnePlus 13, which uses the same powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, already supports this security feature. Given this, there’s hope that Samsung can also enable AVF in their Galaxy S25 through a future software update, leveraging their existing hardware capabilities.
