Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Bring Linux Terminal Support

The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra may finally bring a long-awaited support for Android’s Linux Terminal feature. This would mark a notable shift for Samsung flagship smartphones, which misses out on this power-user capability. An APK teardown via Android Authority of pre-release Galaxy S26 Ultra software suggests Samsung may finally enable this feature. 

Galaxy S26 Ultra may finally support Linux Terminal

Last year, Google rolled out a native Linux Terminal app on its Google Pixel phones with the March 2025 QPR2 update. This app lets users run a full Debian Linux environment in a virtual machine using the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). In doing so, it brings desktop-level Linux tooling to Android.

The logs from the pre-release software of the Galaxy S26 Ultra reveal references to the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), a core requirement for Linux Terminal to run. Previously, this framework was missing on the Galaxy S25 series. As a result, it prevented the S25 series from supporting the feature despite powerful hardware.

If AVF remains enabled in the final build, the S26 Ultra could allow users to run a full Linux environment directly on their phone.

Only one Samsung phone supports Linux Terminal so far

So far, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 remains the only non-Pixel Samsung phone to support the Linux Terminal app. Why? Samsung enabled it on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (review) by leveraging the Exynos 2500 chipset. This chipset can run the “non-protected” virtual machines required by the feature. Meanwhile, other Samsung devices like the Snapdragon-powered Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S25 series could not support it due to chipset limitations. 

While this isn’t guaranteed yet, the finding of AVF is an encouraging sign that Samsung may finally be closing a long-standing feature gap. That feature would make the S26 Ultra’s potential support interesting. In addition, it would expand the list of Samsung devices able to run a full Linux environment. It would also be appealing to developers and power-users if the feature makes the cut in the final release software.

If you plan to buy the Galaxy S26 series, our Mystery Box program is now live. You can sign up here to be eligible for free accessories during pre-orders, including a 65W charger, protective case, and more. (US only)