Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Omits Key Android Security Feature, Report Claims
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series is under scrutiny after a new report revealed it lacks a critical Android security feature. According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, the latest flagship devices from Samsung do not support Android’s Advanced Virtualization Framework (AVF). This omission could leave the Galaxy S25 series incompatible with advanced features like the upcoming Android Linux Terminal app.
What is AVF?
Table of Contents
- Will Samsung Support AVF in the Future?
- Editor’s Questions
- Can you explain what the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) is and why it’s important for Android devices?
- What does the absence of AVF support mean for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series, compared to competitors like oneplus?
- What are the implications of Google Photos introducing an optional feature toggle and restoring a previously removed feature?
- When can users expect these updates to roll out, and what does this mean for the future of Google Photos?
Introduced in Android 13, AVF enables devices to create secure, isolated virtual machines that run a lightweight version of Android called Microdroid. These virtual machines provide a protected environment for running code,restricting access to a smartphone’s hardware adn sensitive data. Additionally, AVF can protect running code from malicious apps on the host device.
Samsung’s Knox vs. AVF
Samsung’s proprietary Knox security platform offers many of the same benefits as AVF, including isolating sensitive data and applications. however, the absence of AVF in the Galaxy S25 series raises questions about its compatibility with future Android updates and features.
implications for Users
The lack of AVF support could limit the Galaxy S25 series’ ability to leverage cutting-edge Android functionalities. As an example, the forthcoming Android Linux Terminal app may not be accessible on these devices. While Samsung’s Knox provides robust security, the omission of AVF highlights a potential gap in the device’s feature set.
Key Comparisons
Below is a table summarizing the differences between AVF and Samsung Knox:
| Feature | AVF | Samsung Knox |
|————————|——————————————|—————————————|
| Virtual Machines | Yes | No |
| Microdroid Support | Yes | No |
| Malicious App Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Future Android Features | Proprietary Security Features |
What’s Next?
As Google pushes to make AVF compulsory for devices running Android 15 and above, Samsung’s decision to exclude it from the Galaxy S25 series could have long-term implications. Will Samsung integrate AVF in future models,or will it continue to rely on its Knox platform? Only time will tell.
For now,users of the Galaxy S25 series may need to weigh the benefits of Samsung’s security solutions against the potential limitations posed by the absence of AVF.
Will Samsung Support AVF in the Future?
Google’s Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) is a game-changer for Android devices, offering enhanced security by isolating code within a protected environment. With the upcoming launch of Android’s new Linux Terminal app,likely to debut with Android 16,the question on everyone’s mind is whether Samsung will integrate AVF support into its One UI 8 later this year.
AVF allows Android devices to run a complete Linux operating system inside a virtual machine, potentially enabling graphical Linux apps—a feature already available on Chrome OS. While the hardware of the Galaxy S25 series is reportedly capable of supporting AVF,Samsung has yet to adopt the technology. This stands in contrast to rival devices like the OnePlus 13, which leverages the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to run AVF seamlessly.
The architecture of AVF provides security by isolating code within a protected environment.
according to an earlier report, at least 361 Android devices from various manufacturers already support AVF. Though, Samsung devices are notably absent from this list, despite Google’s plans to make AVF support compulsory in the future. This raises concerns about whether flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra will miss out on apps widely available on other manufacturers’ devices.
While most Galaxy S25-series users may not feel the absence of AVF, its exclusion could limit the device’s versatility. I’ve reached out to Samsung for comment on this issue and will provide updates as thay become available.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| AVF Launch | Likely with Android 16 |
| Samsung support | Not yet confirmed for One UI 8 |
| Competitor Support | OnePlus 13 already supports AVF |
| Current AVF Devices | 361 Android devices from various manufacturers |
For more insights, follow @paul_monckton on Instagram. Stay tuned for updates on Samsung’s stance on AVF and its potential impact on the Galaxy S25 series.
Google Photos is set to introduce a significant update that will allow users to turn off a controversial feature, addressing long-standing user concerns. According to a report by Forbes, this move comes as part of Google’s efforts to enhance user control and satisfaction within its popular photo management app. The feature in question, which has been a point of contention for many users, will now be optional, giving users the flexibility to customize their experience.
The decision follows widespread feedback from the Google Photos community, which has been vocal about the need for more personalized settings. “We’ve listened to our users and are committed to making Google Photos a more intuitive and user-friendly platform,” a Google spokesperson stated. This update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, marking a pivotal moment for the app’s evolution.
In addition to this change, Google is reportedly restoring a much-needed feature that was previously removed. As detailed in another Forbes article, the restoration of this feature underscores Google’s responsiveness to user demands. While specifics about the feature remain under wraps, insiders suggest it will considerably improve the app’s functionality and user experience.
These updates highlight Google’s ongoing commitment to refining its products based on user feedback. By addressing these concerns, Google Photos aims to solidify its position as a leading photo management tool. Below is a summary of the key updates:
| Update | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Optional Feature Toggle | Users can now disable a divisive feature for a more personalized experience.|
| Restored Feature | A previously removed feature is being reintroduced to enhance functionality.|
| Rollout Timeline | Updates expected to launch in the coming weeks. |
As Google continues to innovate, these changes are a testament to the company’s dedication to user-centric design. For those eager to explore the new features, keep an eye on the Google photos app for the latest updates.
Editor’s Questions
Can you explain what the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) is and why it’s important for Android devices?
The Android Virtualization framework (AVF) is a technology that allows Android devices to run a complete Linux operating system within a virtual machine. This framework enhances security by isolating code in a protected environment, reducing the risk of malicious attacks. It’s particularly significant as it enables Android devices to run graphical Linux apps, a feature already available on Chrome OS. This opens up new possibilities for developers and users, making Android devices more versatile and powerful.
What does the absence of AVF support mean for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series, compared to competitors like oneplus?
The absence of AVF support in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series could limit the device’s versatility compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13,which already leverages AVF seamlessly. While most users may not immediately notice the lack of AVF, it could restrict access to apps and features widely available on other devices. This could be a missed opportunity for Samsung to enhance its flagship devices with cutting-edge technology, especially as Google plans to make AVF support compulsory in the future.
What are the implications of Google Photos introducing an optional feature toggle and restoring a previously removed feature?
According to a report by Forbes, Google Photos is set to introduce an optional feature toggle, allowing users to disable a controversial feature. This move addresses long-standing user concerns and enhances user control, making the app more personalized and user-friendly.Additionally, Google is restoring a previously removed feature, as detailed in another Forbes article, which will further improve functionality. These updates highlight Google’s responsiveness to user feedback and its commitment to refining its products based on user needs.
When can users expect these updates to roll out, and what does this mean for the future of Google Photos?
These updates are expected to roll out in the coming weeks, marking a pivotal moment for the evolution of Google Photos. By introducing an optional feature toggle and restoring a previously removed feature, Google is demonstrating its dedication to user-centric design.This will likely solidify Google Photos’ position as a leading photo management tool,offering users a more intuitive and customized experience. For those eager to explore these new features, keep an eye on the Google Photos app for the latest updates.
