GrapheneOS becomes the only Android OS to offer full security preview patches

GrapheneOS, a security-focused Android-based operating system, has begun offering a 'security preview release' that applies security patches to Android early. This makes GrapenOS the only Android-based operating system to offer a full security preview patch set.

GrapheneOS: 'GrapheneOS is the only Android…' - GrapheneOS Mastodon

GrapheneOS will begin offering 'security preview releases' for November and December 2025, including early security patches.

Android began sharing patches with OEMs up to three months in advance, and GrapheneOS was the first in the world to use this mechanism to distribute patches early. Even Pixel OS, which is the closest to the original Android OS installed on Google Pixel, does not support this early distribution.

The reason for the lack of coordination among companies in responding to patches early is that OEMs don't have the ability to integrate, test, and ship patches quickly. When OEMs have difficulty responding or issues are identified, patches are often postponed to a future release. Previously, there was a one-month release waiting period and early releases were not permitted, but now updates can be made much sooner.

In addition, starting in June 2025, Google will begin collaborating with Android smartphone manufacturers other than Google, which will eliminate GrapheneOS's 'Pixel-exclusive' status. This will allow GrapheneOS to be installed on devices other than Pixel, providing faster performance than Google's Tensor chips while also achieving the latest features and long-term maintainability.

GrapheneOS Confirms New OEM Partnership for Next-Gen Secure Devices
https://tbot.substack.com/p/grapheneos-new-oem-partnership