GrapheneOS releases Android 16 in the stable channel

GrapheneOS is considered a secure and data-saving Android version that is only offered for Pixel devices due to its high security requirements. Despite challenging new circumstances, Google has not supplied the device trees for Pixel devices that were previously delivered with AOSP, which custom ROM developers used for faster compilation, GrapheneOS is now ready based on Android 16 one month after Google's release.

Already with Taptrap fix

According to the GrapheneOS developers, porting to Android 16 turned out to be more difficult than expected. In order to realize the update, the Android 16 firmware and drivers were first backported to Android 15 QPR2 to provide the Pixel patch level 2025-06-05 and then 2025-07-01. According to GrapheneOS, the stable version is completely based on Android 16 with all GrapheneOS functions.

Finally, the first official version of Android 16 was released on June 30th after an experimental version had shown problems on the day. The developers had taken a little more time for the stable release, as there was no Pixel update bulletin from Google regarding security patches for July 2025. On July 9, GrapheneOS based on Android 16 reached the stable channel.

At first glance, there are no new features to be seen – as with Android 16 for Google's Pixel devices. Most of the changes are under the hood. Among other things, the live update function for real-time information for delivery services and the like appears to be on board.

Graphene also writes in the documentation that it has fixed a fairly new attack technique known as TapTrap, which allows attackers to gain far-reaching access rights unnoticed. Google will fix this vulnerability later, a Google spokesperson told Bleeping-Computer magazine. Further changes can be found in the changelog.

GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 and newer

GrapheneOS can be installed on all Pixel devices that still receive official software support from Google. These are all models from the Pixel 6 and newer.

GrapheneOS can be installed in two ways. Firstly, users can use the WebUSB-based installer, which is similar to Google's Android Flash tool and is the simplest method and recommended for most users. Those who prefer a more cumbersome – or "old-school" – can also install the operating system via the Befehlszeile.

(afl)