Google Dumps GrapheneOS Support from Pixel Series

Google's upcoming Pixel 11 series is ditching support for GrapheneOS, a privacy- and security-focused operating system based on Android. This means users who were expecting to experience enhanced security capabilities with GrapheneOS will be left disappointed.

The decision could be linked to manufacturing costs, as supporting the required Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) security feature reportedly adds around 11 percent to the overall cost of producing a smartphone.

Graphene-OS developers suggest that Google may have decided to reduce production expenses and avoid potential performance or compatibility concerns by moving away from MTE support in the Pixel series.

The change could also have significant implications for users who specifically want Graphene and its security-focused features. Motorola, on the other hand, is expected to become an alternative for users interested in GrapheneOS with MTE support, with selected smartphones arriving with support beginning in February 2027.