GrapheneOS rolled out the Linux 6.18 kernel to the Pixel 10 lineup, with Pixel 11 support expected if Android 17 QPR2 delivers required MTE firmware.
The GrapheneOS project has rolled out a major software upgrade that brings the Linux 6.18 kernel to the Pixel 10 series. Available in the stable channel as part of release 2026110200, the update covers the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. In a post on X, the GrapheneOS team reported that the rollout has gone smoothly so far, with no user-reported regressions. The release puts these devices ahead of Google’s stock Pixel software, which still uses the older Linux 6.6 kernel. The upgrade provides a newer version of the software that helps Android communicate with phone hardware.
GrapheneOS is also working to bring the newer kernel to older supported Pixel models, although that will require additional development.
There is also encouraging news for Pixel 11 owners waiting for GrapheneOS support. The privacy-focused operating system has yet to officially support Google’s latest flagships because they lack support for Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), a security feature GrapheneOS considers essential.
The team now expects Android 17 QPR2 to resolve that obstacle. The necessary firmware support is already present in QPR2 beta releases, and GrapheneOS believes it will carry over to the stable update when it arrives next month.
If Google ships the feature as expected, GrapheneOS says it can support the Pixel 11 series. Much of the work needed to make the operating system compatible with these phones was already completed during development for the Pixel 10 lineup.
For now, the Pixel 10 upgrade is available, while Pixel 11 owners still have to wait. With the missing security feature potentially arriving in Android 17 QPR2, GrapheneOS support for Google’s newest phones is looking increasingly likely.
Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)
Cristian Penisoara is a Guides Writer and Android specialist at Droid Tools. An Android user since version 2 and a professional event photographer, he combines technical curiosity with a detail-oriented approach - every guide he publishes is tested step-by-step on a real device before it goes live.
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