Google Android 15 Will Require New Phone Chips to Support Android Virtualization Framework

Google Android 15 Will Require New Phone Chips to Support Android Virtualization FrameworkGoogle's Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced in Android 13 in 2022, provides a secure environment for compiling security-sensitive code, aiming to enhance system security and shorten device boot-up delays. Recent news reveals that Google has announced that all new phones compatible with Android 15 will require their chipsets to support the AVF framework

Google Android 15 Will Require New Phone Chips to Support Android Virtualization Framework

Google's Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced in Android 13 in 2022, provides a secure environment for compiling security-sensitive code, aiming to enhance system security and shorten device boot-up delays. Recent news reveals that Google has announced that all new phones compatible with Android 15 will require their chipsets to support the AVF framework.

According to the latest Vendor Software Requirements, all new chipsets compatible with Android 15, including Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and MediaTek Dimensity 9400, will be mandated to support AVF. Additionally, the document states that if a chipset also supports a protected virtual machine (VM), the VM must be enabled for OTA updates in Android 15.

Android 16 will further enhance security features, requiring protected VMs to support remote attestation, DICE's open configuration profile, and Secretkeeper 1.0 among other security functionalities.

Currently, according to Google Play Console's device catalog, 361 device models support AVF, including all Pixel devices since the Pixel 6, as well as various OEM models from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Vivo, Tecno, and OPPO.

It's noteworthy that the list does not include any Samsung devices. The reason behind Samsung devices not supporting AVF remains unclear, but some media speculate it might be due to potential conflicts with Samsung Knox.

The introduction of the AVF framework marks a significant step forward for Google in mobile security. By mandating support for AVF in new phone chipsets, Google aims to provide Android users with a more secure and efficient mobile experience. In the future, the AVF framework will also be used to handle DRM applications and proprietary machine learning models, potentially even supporting running complete operating systems within VMs, unlocking a world of possibilities for developers and users.

Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) Overview

The AVF framework is a security mechanism introduced in Android 13 in 2022, primarily designed to provide a secure environment for compiling security-sensitive code. By securely recompiling code in the background, the AVF framework effectively reduces device boot-up delays, thereby enhancing system performance.

Besides enhanced security and performance, the AVF framework has other notable features:

• Support for DRM applications and proprietary machine learning models: The AVF framework can provide security for DRM applications and proprietary machine learning models, preventing malicious software attacks and data leaks.

• Potential support for complete operating systems: In the future, the AVF framework may even support running complete operating systems inside virtual machines, opening new possibilities for developers and users.

AVF Impact on Users

The introduction of the AVF framework will bring several positive impacts for users:

• A more secure phone experience: The AVF framework provides a secure environment for compiling security-sensitive code, effectively enhancing system security and reducing the risk of malicious software attacks and data leaks.

• Faster startup speeds: The AVF framework securely recompiles code in the background, effectively reducing device boot-up delays, improving user experience.

• More features and applications: The AVF framework's applications are continuously expanding, meaning it will support more features and applications in the future, bringing more convenience and enjoyment to users.

Conclusion

Google's mandate for new phone chips to support the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) demonstrates its commitment to mobile security and user experience. The introduction of the AVF framework will bring users a more secure phone experience, faster startup speeds, and more features and applications, driving the continuous development of the Android ecosystem.