GrapheneOS brings Linux 6.18 to Pixel 10 series, eyes Android 17 QPR2 for Pixel 11

GrapheneOS has rolled out a major software upgrade for the Pixel 10 series, bringing the newer Linux 6.18 kernel to all four models. The update is now available in the stable channel as part of release 2026110200 and covers the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

In a post on X, the GrapheneOS team says the rollout has gone smoothly so far, with no user-reported issues. The upgrade also puts GrapheneOS ahead of Google’s stock Pixel software, which still uses the older Linux 6.6 kernel on these devices. Essentially, GrapheneOS users are getting a newer version of the software that helps Android communicate with their phone’s hardware.

GrapheneOS is also working to bring the newer kernel to older supported Pixel models, although that will require additional development.

Pixel 11 support is looking more promising

There’s also encouraging news for Pixel 11 owners waiting for GrapheneOS support. The privacy-focused operating system has yet to officially support Google’s latest flagships because it lacks support for Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), a security feature GrapheneOS considers essential.

However, the team now expects Android 17 QPR2 to resolve that obstacle. The necessary firmware support is already present in QPR2 beta releases, and GrapheneOS believes it will carry over to the stable update when it arrives next month.

If Google ships the feature as expected, GrapheneOS says it can support the Pixel 11 series. Even better, much of the work needed to make the operating system compatible with these phones has already been completed during development for the Pixel 10 lineup.

For now, the Pixel 10 upgrade is available, while Pixel 11 owners still have to wait. But with the missing security feature potentially arriving in Android 17 QPR2, GrapheneOS support for Google’s newest phones is looking increasingly likely.