Google to supply a four-year help interval for Linux kernel releases utilized in Android telephones
In a nutshell: Android’s kernel relies on the long-term help branches of the Linux kernel. LTS releases are important for the well-being of Google’s cellular OS, a lot in order that the corporate determined to increase the help interval past what was already assured by Linux builders.
Google just lately up to date official documentation on Android Common Kernels (ACK) with new help lifetime pledges and refreshed end-of-life (EOL) dates for at the moment supported kernels. ACKs are the main branches of the Android Open Supply Challenge (AOSP), which incorporates Google’s personal Android implementations for third-party corporations working within the Android ecosystem.
Beginning in 2017, Linux builders determined to supply six years of help for LTS releases. That call was later revised, bringing the help interval again down to 2 years. The LTS Linux kernel is a vital codebase for Android, as Google selects essentially the most safe open-source kernel whereas including further performance and vendor-specific options required by Android gadgets.
The ACK-Linux LTS relationship is now strengthening because of Google’s direct involvement. The corporate will present further help to secure LTS kernels, with most Android variations now being supported for 4 years or extra. Android 14, which relies on the Linux 6.1 LTS department, will probably be supported till 2029. In the meantime, the Android 15 kernel (Linux LTS 6.6) will probably be supported till 2028.
The brand new help coverage will impose further necessities on third-party distributors. OEM producers launching telephones based mostly on Android 15 or later will now be required to make use of both the 6.1 or 6.6 LTS department of the Linux kernel.
Linux LTS is frequently maintained with safety patches and bug fixes, nevertheless it does not embrace the most recent (and probably unstable) options launched in non-LTS kernel branches.
Google’s official documentation clearly states that “ACKs obtain LTS merges from upstream and bug fixes for Android-specific code.” These Android-specific fixes embrace the safety patches the corporate lists in its month-to-month Android Safety Bulletins. Beginning with kernel 6.6, the help lifetime for the secure (LTS) kernels is 4 years. When kernels are not supported, gadgets operating the related Android variations are thought-about “weak” by Google.
Moreover, Mountain View is simplifying the ACK launch cycle. The corporate will now present only a single new ACK department for every kernel launch, which is why Android 15 will solely use the android15-6.6 department.
