fbpx
+27 87 806-5139 [email protected]

The Galaxy S26 Ultra might finally get this Android feature the S25 missed

by | Jan 30, 2026 | Android, Authority Insights, Linux, News, Samsung Galaxy S26

android linux terminal app commands 1

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority
TL;DR

  • Log files from the Galaxy S26 Ultra suggest Samsung may finally support Android’s Linux Terminal feature after skipping it on the S25 Ultra.
  • The logs show support for the Android Virtualization Framework, a key requirement that was missing on Samsung’s last flagship.
  • With the S26 series expected to launch on Android 16 QPR2, the devices should have everything in place to support the feature.

When Google rolled out its Linux Terminal feature last year, it felt like a meaningful step forward for Android. The tool lets Android run a full Linux environment directly on the device, but Samsung’s own flagships were left out. Despite having the right hardware on paper, the Galaxy S25 Ultra didn’t support it. However, we’ve spotted signs that this may finally change with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Authority Insights

You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Subscribe to our new Authority Insights newsletter for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won’t find anywhere else.


By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.


We’ve gotten our hands on log files from an S26 Ultra, and they show something that was missing on last year’s model: the device declares support for the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). That system-level support is a key requirement for Google’s Linux Terminal feature, and its absence is what kept the S25 Ultra on the sidelines while Pixel phones moved ahead.