Google Extends Support for Linux Kernels Used for Android
Because the LTS Linux kernel releases are so important to Android, Google has decided to extend the support period beyond that offered by the kernel development team.
According to multiple sources (such as Android Authority, Android Police and TechSpot), Google has now committed to a four-year support window for its Linux kernel forks. This begins with kernel 6.6.
It seems this happened because the upstream Linux kernel project decided to end its six-year support commitment for LTS releases, which would have been problematic for the Android platform. To get around that issue, Google decided to extend the support for the LTS kernels.
Google depends on the LTS kernels for bug fixes and security patches, which is why the company decided it would have to step in.
According to Google, there are three reasons why Google maintains its own kernel fork, which are:
- Backports and cherry-picks of upstream functionality needed for Android features
- Features ready for Android devices but still under development upstream
- Vendor/OEM features that are useful for other ecosystem partners.
The most recent Android ACK branch kernel is android15-6.6 (launched on 10-29-2023). The end of life for that version is now 07-01-2028.
It is important to know that Google is only supporting new ACK branches for four years. Because OEMs aren't able to do this, starting with Android 15, devices are required to ship with either android14-6.1 or android15-6.6.
Without the LTS versions of the Linux kernel, Android security wouldn't be nearly what it is.
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